On Another Gray Day

 I use Insight Timer to either time my meditation session and bring me peacefully into the moment, or to listen to a gently guided longer session. Every day, there is an inspirational quote, and today’s was pertinent to the gifts of expressing gratitude: Wellbeing is attained little by little, and nevertheless is no little thing itself.  Zeno of Citium

Gratitude is a choice. Expressing gratitude is an action, and experiencing gratitude is the fruit of taking that action. There are days when it can be difficult to find something to be grateful for, unless it becomes a solid practice. Gray days can be like that; lack of natural sunlight is a challenge for many folks, engendering a sense of ennui or outright depression. But little things add up to become big results.

On this gray day, I am grateful for shelter. I’m excited by the prospect of baking some homemade cinnamon rolls while wearing my coziest clothes. I have peace in my life. It’s a good day for reflection, for reading a good book, for enjoying a well-made movie or series. I’m grateful for having worked in an industry which provides me a pension so that I can do these things, and I appreciate that past work experience.

I have my breath. Such a glorious gift! I have my wits, my hopes and dreams, and the ability to take action. No small things. And I have the actually small things: all the little blessings which can be unnoticed until I see the big results.

It’s gray outside, but my gratitude for all it contains still shines bright.