Do you write down things you are grateful to have in your life? Sometimes, when things get hectic, and rushing from one appointment to the next becomes a blur, the small things that make our day go smoothly can be all that is needed to get through the day.
The first for me, is a hot steaming cup of unaltered coffee with flavored cream. The flavor of freshly ground beans, with notes of nutmeg and allspice are topped with a delicious blend of mocha and vanilla. Just the aroma of the brewing coffee wafting through the air wakes me from my slumber. You really don’t appreciate the small things until someone messes with your coffee and you begin to feel the effects of some substance causing your heart to pound erratically, your throat to tighten and your vision to blur.
Next, when travelling alone it can be frustrating to find lodging in a safe place. You certainly cannot get a good night’s sleep if you don’t feel protected or safe. What if you live alone? Do you feel safe at home, in your neighborhood and walking to your car at night? Having travelled for work most of my life, I’ve appreciated having a lock that securely fastens the door, a deadbolt that is correctly pinned in the locked position, and now my vintage wrought iron scorpion wedge that slips under the door. This is a tool that a lone female can use as added protection to secure themselves in a hotel room.
Devices for protection are next. These can include the ability and knowledge to use a taser, baton, firearm, pepper spray and a few tactical defense moves. However, tactical training is not learned overnight, as it takes time and practice. The ladies won’t appreciate this, however, for your safety, your long nails need to be filed to a little longer than the tip of your finger so you don’t hurt yourself.
This brings me to the next one. A comfortably soft bed, with fresh linens, adorning a bed with fluffy pillows that don’t flatten at the first turn. The bright white sheets are crisp and cool to the touch complimenting the bed, layered with a thick duvet and a light cotton blanket. I wind down by recounting my day in the form of short quips that later turn into short stories.
When you suddenly don't have access to clean, purified water to drink especially in the midst of a power outage or storm, it becomes a top priority. How many of us keep a stash of gallons of water in our home in case of an emergency due to a natural disaster, a water main break or the occurrence of contaminated water due to a gas or oil spill? You realize that you probably took this for granted, thinking you'd have access to this at all times.
Lastly, a home cooked meal. The enjoyment of home is amongst the things that are familiar and comforting. Being at someone else’s home to share appetizers, a drink and light conversation over scented candlelight creates lasting memories of fellowship, long after the evening has ended. The main course and its accompaniments of root vegetables are served on a pretty fall themed table with mixed medium tableware of depression glass, bone china and pottery. A bouquet of colorful seasonal flowers adorn each place setting atop an intricately hand carved wooden table. The meal is ended in the living room, with a variety of hot beverages to choose from – Chinese tea, cider or hot buttered rum with a homemade English sponge cake.
What are some of the things you are grateful for in your daily life? Does making a gratitude list help you to deal with adversity in your life, build a more uplifting outlook and help you to look for the positive in others?
PC: Nataline Board
