Thursday, May 28, 2009

On gratitude

This is the view to my ride home every day. Surrounded by water on both sides, I can instantly feel my blood pressure go down a couple of notches. Bodies of water have that effect on human beings. I have not always been appreciative of living here. Totally heat intolerant to the point of constant migraines if I am not inside in airconditioner, my home has at times, seemed like a trap. However, where I live is peaceful and I have here what I need, not much more, not much less. I am ashamed that I have not always appreciated what I have and I am now extremely grateful for what life has dealt me. I have made it a mission in these past years to look beyond myself, to open my eyes and see how other people live. I have had many teachers since I started, including some wonderful blogging friends. One that instantly comes to mind is Maithri of The soaring impulse. Today's post on his site is particularly poignant and brings to mind John Donne's words: "Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee." Take a moment and go over to his blog to read this beautiful post on gratitude: The soaring impulse: On Gratitude.

7 comments:

Annie Coe said...

That is beautiful! I love the ocean and I miss it so much, though I hate the heat too. I tagged you today-go see.

Cecile/DreamCreateRepeat said...

That view is so beautiful! I am lucky enough to have a second home on the West coast of FL and whenever I drive over the bridge from Tampa I can feel my blood pressure lowering....

I do visit the Soaring Impulse, having been introduced through your blog. Thank you so much!

Stacy said...

So jealous. The view is amazing.

Unknown said...

Driving home next to all that blue......
Thanks for visiting my blog. Best wishes, Ax

Mélanie said...

You live in a beautiful place . Your words are gorgeous .

A Cuban In London said...

'for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee'

I have always loved that quote and I thought it was very relevant to your post. Yes, I, too, feel like you sometimes but then I remember, or I look at my children's faces, or at my wife's and I feel lucky and satisfied with the life I have. Many thanks.

Greetings from London.

Renee said...

A beautiful post and a lesson for all of us really.

The water and view look so wonderful.

xoxo