As I woke up this morning and sat up in bed, looking round me, I decided to try something.  As I moved through each step of my morning, I was going to identify all the things that were part of those moments that I felt gratitude for.

And I did that.  I got out of bed and went to my bathroom to get cleaned up.  I looked around my bathroom and saw so many things to be grateful for.  A working toilet.  Clean water that came out of my faucet with the turn of a handle.  Lights that turned on with the flip of a switch.  As I brushed my teeth, i thought about my gratitude for the body that I was given and the fact that it still works.  The good health care and dental care I have access to.  The medications that treat the health conditions I have and help me to live a quality life.  Clean cloths to wear.

I moved further into my morning and the list continued.  I opened my bedroom blinds and looked out into the place where I live, a place of peace, with no war or destruction or devastation around me.  I made my comfortable bed with soft sheets and blankets and thought about the good night’s sleep I had had on it.  

I open the living room blinds and saw the beautiful day outside.  Blue sky, sunshine, beautiful trees and grass.  I looked around my apartment and saw the wonderful home I have, a wonderful home that provides me comfort and safety.

Into the kitchen and the list continued.  I took some fish from the freezer to defrost for my dinner tonight.  I looked through my refrigerator to plan what I would cook to go with it and saw an incredible bounty of food.  I heated water in my kettle and prepared my morning tea, a tea that I love and savor every day.  I cleaned my cat’s dish and prepared her breakfast with good food I am able to feed her.  

I looked down at my cat and thought about her, and how incredibly grateful I am to have her in my life.  The comfort and companionship she provides, the joy and peace and contentment from sharing my days with her.  My ability to give her a good home and a good life.  The big love that we share, and how much I have learned from her.  

I went outside to bring in the mail, and looked around my neighborhood.  I saw the home close by where two of my children live, and thought about how close my third child and his wife were to me.  I thought about how close we all were, both geographically and in our relationships.  About how they were all healthy and living good, happy lives.

I went back inside and poured my cup of tea and sat down in my comfortable chair with my kitty, to spend some quiet moments in reflection and meditation.  By then I had tears on my face, and I had to stop with my list of gratitude.  My heart was already too full, and too humbled.  

The number of blessings that have been given to me are greater than I can comprehend.  How do I adequately express gratitude for all of that?  I don’t know how, other than to sit in quiet and stillness, and let it pour from my heart.

I hope you are able to see all the things you have to be grateful for today.