Relieved of her need to search the grounds for just the right spot, Gracie the Golden now curls tightly on the edge of her bed. Nothing seems to distract her from her determination to sleep away this cold but sunny morning. She lives in her own reality and will emerge in a few hours for some petting and coveted “lap time” before consuming her morning ration of special nutrition. Having cleared away the dishes, stoked the old stove with wood, and checked for recent emails, this reluctant “retiree” who otherwise detests perceived limiting labels settles in for some reading and writing time. Gracie and I both seem to enjoy each of our own versions of reality. I do not presume to interpret hers as she seems to thrive well in her own without regard for the nature of mine. There seems so much I wish to accomplish and I chip away at it daily, getting closer to the fulfillment of some ambitions and barely scratching the surface of others. Expressions of gratitude help to ward off the propensity to look at what I have yet to do as failure and keeps in perspective that what has already been done is success! Success comes in various ways and at numerous times and often eludes recognition. Gathering the logs for insertion into the fired up wood stove counts as a gathering success. Inserting the logs as we stoke the flames is a warming success. Sitting comfortably in the warmth of the now heated room as I write and read is the result of a successful journey thus far. The removal of ashes in a few days will mark a successful journey over the past couple of weeks of igniting and maintaining warmth in this place called home. The multiples of successes that have been obtained along this journey are heaped now into the giant cup of gratitude from which we sip a fresh brew of motivation and inspiration for the next opportunity to discover success. Success is a part of the journey that seems to grow in the showers of gratitude that recognize it along the way.
Leave a Reply