This past week and week end I came down with it. Big. Bad. Ugly. The Flu. Everything hurt. My hair hurt. My skin hurt. High fever. Yuk. Very depressing. So, in the midst of yuk, it is very easy to whine, which I did. Something helpful I've found for un-whining is gratitude.
I am grateful for
- that I have had to courage and perseverance to begin the journey of coming out.
- for my children, and their long-suffering, understanding mother.
- for a place to live, a "place of my own."
- for an understanding, supportive place of employment. Though I am not "out" at work, folk have worked with me on schedule, time-off, etc.
- for my friends John and John. A couple who've been together about 30 years! They've been welcoming, supportive, playful, and let me do my laundry at their house.
- for being able to live in a beautiful part of the world, the mountains of Western NC.
- for faithful friends and supporters in my 12 step group.
- for comments and emails and such left by many of you that have buoyed me through a lot of low points.
- for God's grace, embracing me with Love my whole journey. Being gay is profoundly spiritual.
- for my kind, understanding, and very straight "regional boss" who knows I'm gay and supports me.
Gratitude fights the spirits that pull us down into the pit. It opens up my heart and mind and takes me out of myself. An Attitude of Gratitude. It's a great way to un-whine!
Cheers for now.
13 comments:
Years ago I read a book by Brother David Steindl-Rast asserting that gratefulness is the heart of true prayer. Keep praying!
Un-whining, indeed. What a great post, and a reminder that on the whole, things aren't too bad.
Great picture. It is on display at the Peggy Guggenheim museum in Venice, Italy. I saw it last May when I was there with my family.
Guess what you rub for good luck?
We all need to un-whine sometimes.
i very much agree; if people were more in touch with gratitude than complaints how much more happy we and the world would be
meanwhile, get fluids, sleep and someone to pamper you.
I was listening to some life coach broadcast (passively) and perked up when I heard his comments about expressing grattitude. You are right on the money that a sense of, and expression of grattitude makes all the difference. Great post! --Geoff
Hello Bear, thanks for this post. I need to remember these things sometimes, like now, when I'm feeling very low indeed. You did me good, and the picture made me smile - so joyful. Thanks mate.
Louis.
Very cool.
Hope you're feeling better!
Oops, that's not me anymore, this is me.
well said... even releiving to read positivety from others sometimes... thanks for the reminders... :)
Hi! I hope you feel better!
BearToast:
Let gratefulness roll down like water! The attitude of gratitude like rushing streams!
If you don't know Br. David Steindl-Rasts's "Gratefulness: the Heart of Prayer," I recommend it. I'm not particularly good at prayer, which is why I think the BCP has such power, but I can manage gratefulness.
http://www.gratefulness.org/brotherdavid/bio.htm
It's all true, but I can't help wishing he didn't toot his own horn on his own webpage. Not a particularly Benedictine attitude, somehow... or am I just crankier than usual?
Blessings on all of you, including your "regional boss,"
T@C
Often I forget to remember to be greatful. When I forget, I really get bummed. Thanks for the pick-me-up!
Post a Comment