#174: The ever-present reminder that it's the small pleasures in life that matter. Like, the fact that I didn't break my neck when I fell off of my 3-foot-high window sill, landed on my giant exercise ball and rolled at an increased velocity all the way across the room. I landed on my neck (and other now injured body parts), so it's a miracle that I didn't...
#175: The fact that I didn't break my neck when I fell down the stairs at church last night either. It's clear that I'm clumsy, yes. But is it also clear that every time I fall I'm humbled by the realization that I could have really hurt myself but didn't and incredibly grateful for that fact?
#176: Meeting people from all walks of life and all different ages with whom I have a genuine connection. A woman who has a daughter my age at church is epitome of this to me. I feel like I've known her my entire life, but I've spent maybe 30 total minutes talking to her -- and not even one-on-one.
#177: Learning to live my life day-to-day without feeling the need to explain myself to anyone and without feeling sorry for myself if they don't get it. Lately the quote of Laura Munson's -- "Sometimes taking care of yourself means letting yourself be misunderstood" -- has been echoing in my ears, time and time again. There's no need to correct everyone when they harbor their willful or ignorant misconceptions. It's not my job to enlighten them. I refuse to be defensive or embarrassed by my character, preferences or decisions. I am who I am, and I love myself for it.
#178: This adorable and inspiring blog that I came across just yesterday. The kicker: the quote featured at the top of it is, "It takes courage to grow up and become who you are" by E.E. Cummings. BRILLIANT!
Those are my most recent reminders to take stock and give thanks.
-Me