My mind swims these days. My inside lip is raw from biting. My sleep, interrupted with thoughts. The feelings return in waves, sometimes hidden and almost invisible, and other times, punching me in the gut and screaming silent in my face. It is in these times, that I must remember to remove these thoughts from focusing on myself, and instead, think those things which are “…true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from Me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into His most excellent harmonies.” (Philippians 4:8 The Message)

I must get back to every. little. thing. Being grateful for clean mirrors. And a little sun that peeks through the blinds. And the smell of Burberry Gold on a co-worker when she walks by. And the smooth of a bite of dark chocolate. And Anjalie’s smile. And the feeling of pulling into the garage after a hard day. And a cushioned chair in which to sit. And clean sheet smell. And morning texts from a daughter. And an update on Dad’s day. And deoderizing spray in a public restroom. And the sturdy of a healthy geranium. And the satisfaction of pulling a weed to its root. And french fry air on a walk. And a cat’s purr. And sitting in a closet going through a box of papers only to find pictures three years old. And the sweet of a rubber band bunny made special, just for us. And a beautiful egg that will forever hang and remind of friendship. And happy songs that sometimes make their way into the internal jukebox. And a sweater that greets me each morning – my own version of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood when I take my jacket off and replace it with the Private Quarters sweater for the day. And co-workers who notice elderly ladies making their way towards the office building and run to the front doors to help them inside. And being told I am loved many times a day by the one who matters most to me. And the pain of extreme love for my grandchildren and daughters. And fleece to keep me warm. And good tires. And living in safety. And reading glasses. And my Bingo friends.

I must remember to be grateful. For every. little. thing.