Distractions

The faux-fired infrared fireplace is fanning out furiously the warmth desired on this pre-winter morning. Overcast skies seem to enhance the lingering cold that enveloped the farmland overnight. The Thanksgiving holiday has passed and time with family and loved ones gives way to another week of hustle and bustle for the gainfully employed and those eager to engage in overtly productive activities. Having tasted both, this passive possessor of Parkinson’s symptoms cherishes this time of quiet planning for the week’s desired outcomes. Sleep disturbance fueled by spasmodic jerks as I lay in what was an otherwise comfortable bed prevented this resistant participant from securing a full night’s rest. Tired, but otherwise thankful for another opportunity to engage the day intentionally, we reflect upon the things caught in the grip of obsessive thoughts during the pre-dawn mental tussle that when added to the other mix prompted an early rise to the waiting recliner. A book beside the chair that has been both engaging and inspiring was soon the focus of attention. As the bookmark was put in place, reflection upon the content absorbed helped to refocus this distracted and frustrated pre-dawn participant toward the gratitude that so gently re-orders priorities. A peaceful presence had descended and a blanked of thankfulness had engulfed as another hour of sleep came to visit. Now fully awakened and dutifully medicated in the attempt to replenish otherwise endogenous dopamine we are ready to meet the challenges of this new day with the best we can muster which is ever so greatly enhanced in the presence of gratitude for yet another opportunity to participate!