Life Is Good, Give Thanks

May has been a challenging month—details below in case you're interested—but I finally have a few moments of normality.

So life is good and giving thanks reminds me of why life is good despite everything.

Challenging Times Build Strong People

CoVid, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, senseless murders every week.

Senseless hatred based on: the color of one's skin or religion, politics, sexual orientation, ethnicity—hatred because of those things make no sense and can't be understood by rational people.

These and other tragedies make it easy to feel morose and somber—even depressed about the world and the future.

That's when we need to consciously remember all of the reasons that life is good. No matter how down and discouraged you may feel, no matter how little you may have, you always have blessings whether or not you're aware of them.

Surefire Way to Feel Better

The best way to shake the gloom is to consciously count your blessings. You may take most of these for granted.

That's a mistake many people make. Let's get back to basics, and count blessings.

1. If you are alive, you are blessed. Life means you have the chance to get healthier, be happier, achieve more, and live the best life possible. Like my grandfather who lived to be 100 always said, "It's always better to be looking down at the grass than up through it." Give thanks that you are alive and decide what to do with your life.

2. If you have bills, chances are you have, or had, a job. Give thanks for the bills and the job that enables you to pay them. Always improve your skills to make yourself a valuable employee.

If you've lost your job, work each day to get another one. Scour the internet for articles about how to land jobs, network with everyone you know who has a job, work on improving your skills and on presenting yourself as a prospective employee. 

Waste no time in watching TV, sleeping late, bitterness, regret, or goofing off in any way. Assess your attitude. Choose optimism, have faith, be hopeful, and believe in your ability and your future.

There are thousands of videos on YouTube that may help you become an entrepreneur if you're motivated in that way and/or desperate. Opportunity exists for those willing to put in the hard work and seize the moment.

3. If you are healthy, give thanks and work to stay that way. Give up junk food and super processed foods, read labels. If you don't know what an ingredient is, don't buy it. Eat more vegetables. Learn how to cook at home for the best option for good health. Get 20 minutes of sunshine every day. Remember, everything, especially alcohol, in moderation.

4. Give thanks for those who love you. Start with your parents and your siblings. By nature, they have raised you from the first moment they knew you. Their love is a given. Cherish those relationships. If you've lost touch in some way, work to make those relationships stronger. Give thanks for your partner in life. Treat your spouse as if he/she is the most important person in your world. Talk together each day. The same is true for your children. With kids and grandkids who don't live near you, it's a lot harder, but stay in touch regularly. Always say, "I love you."

5. Give thanks that you have a roof over your head, i.e., a home. 

I know too many people who are never satisfied with their home whether it's an apartment, condo, or house. 

They focus on what the home doesn't have rather than enjoy the fact that they have not just a roof over their head, but a place that can be a welcoming sanctuary from the cares of the world.

So what if it doesn't look like a picture in a decorating magazine? The feeling of home has nothing to do with what a place looks like. Looks can be changed if you have the desire and willingness. Check YouTube for the millions of videos on decorating projects with many involving dollar store and thrift store finds. There's a reason that old song's refrain is true, "Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home."

Quick/Not So Quick Update

Our younger daughter had major surgery. Everything was going well for a few days then 4 days later she ended up in the ER due to a fever. She's fine now and recovering without any other complications.

Darling Hubby spent a hot day loading and unloading landscape rocks—big, heavy ones. A day later he noticed a swelling on the right side of his abdomen. Since he's a strong, healthy guy, we knew something was wrong.

Fortunately, he got in to see the family doctor in a couple of days who diagnosed a hernia and sent him on to a surgeon. A few days later, he was already scheduled for surgery. Another few days, and we were at the hospital for pre-op registration. Three more days—this past Monday—he had surgery.

Since I've had plenty of experience in taking care of post-surgery patients thanks to our daughter's 14 surgeries, I've known how to keep him comfortable, log the medication I give him and stay ahead of the pain, keep him company, and keep him entertained.

I've watched more TV and movies this past week than in a month. I give thanks he came through surgery with flying colors and is doing well in recovery.

The post-op role of "nurse" is exhausting. I guess my own problems (sciatica pain, injured rotator cuff, and delicate eyes/vision) take a toll on my energy. 

Takeaway Truth

I give thanks also for this blog and its readers. Thank you!