The Gift of Gratitude

The Naturally Refreshing Journey

Connecting Mind, Body, Spirit & Soul

There are times when gratitude comes easily. We celebrate a special moment, spend time with people we love, or stand somewhere so beautiful we wish we could hold on to it a little longer.

And then there are times when it takes a little longer to find.

I’ve been thinking about that since my September backpacking trip didn’t go the way I’d planned. I wrote about it last month [link to October post], but what stayed with me was how long it took me to find anything to be grateful for, and how much was there once I did: the lake, the river, thunder rolling through the mountains, and Juniper beside me in the rain.

Gratitude doesn’t always mean being thankful for how things turn out. Sometimes it means finding something to appreciate in the experience we actually have. When we’re disappointed, or stuck on what should be happening, it’s easy to miss what’s right in front of us. I’ve done that myself.

I’ve also learned I don’t have to rush past disappointment to get to gratitude. I can admit something didn’t go the way I wanted and still notice what’s good. Maybe that’s where it starts.

Right now, a lot of what’s good is the people who helped me get here. I’m thankful for my hiking friends, and for my business colleagues who encouraged me to step into Reiki and coaching when I wasn’t sure I was ready. I couldn’t have planned that turn in the road, and I’m grateful that people believed in me enough to nudge me along it.

November brings more family time, with birthdays and Thanksgiving, and I’m looking forward to it. Falling back is a small bonus too. It means a little more light for my early morning walks with Juniper, who will be in her raincoat and maybe, if she’ll put up with them, booties. Those walks are small and ordinary, and they’re one of the best parts of my day.

As the days get shorter and the holidays get closer, there’s so much to do. We make lists, cook, plan gatherings, and try to make everything special for the people we love. In the middle of all that, I hope we can leave a little room for the good things that are already here.

So this month, instead of writing a long list of everything you’re grateful for, try something simpler. Pause. Take a breath. Look around. What’s one thing you might have missed if you were moving too quickly?

And if life hasn’t gone according to plan lately, give yourself some time. You don’t have to find the lesson right away, and you don’t have to feel grateful before you’re ready. Just begin by noticing.

May this season give you a little more time to slow down, notice what matters most, and appreciate the moments that make life your own.

With warmth,

Riki Marie

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