We have bucket loads of decisions to make every day, the most important ones having to do with our outlook. We can choose to be thankful, appreciative, compassionate. Or we can choose to dwell on what ails us. Right now, for instance, I decide to dodge the darker hollow and head for lighter ground. With one moment's gratitude list. Right now I'm thankful for...
this moment.
I have pregnancy nose big time. The dry weatherscape here dries me out even more, so it's a pretty bloody mess lately, crescendoing this week. Not being able to breathe through my nose properly is suffocating enough, and if I ride that wave of thought, it'll make me panicky and most certainly grumpy.
So this morning, just as I was rising to panic point, I let the wave pass. Focusing instead on all the good things about right now. Sparrows chirping, sudden flocks of ibis squealing overhead. Sun pouring through my window. A lapse in the neighborhood dogs barking. Warm inside while it's wickedly windy outside, clothes on the line so quick to dry. That if I calm + slow down, I can still drag a decent breath through my nose. That there's always the emergency back up of my mouth. I'm breathing for two. Our baby hiccuping inside. Sparrows.
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I have pregnancy nose big time. The dry weatherscape here dries me out even more, so it's a pretty bloody mess lately, crescendoing this week. Not being able to breathe through my nose properly is suffocating enough, and if I ride that wave of thought, it'll make me panicky and most certainly grumpy.
So this morning, just as I was rising to panic point, I let the wave pass. Focusing instead on all the good things about right now. Sparrows chirping, sudden flocks of ibis squealing overhead. Sun pouring through my window. A lapse in the neighborhood dogs barking. Warm inside while it's wickedly windy outside, clothes on the line so quick to dry. That if I calm + slow down, I can still drag a decent breath through my nose. That there's always the emergency back up of my mouth. I'm breathing for two. Our baby hiccuping inside. Sparrows.
What are you thankful for?
25 comments:
aww, hope you're feeling better soon + your spirit is inspiring. right now i am thankful for: saturday morning coffee, the penguins winning 5-1 last night, the incredible weather, homemade candles, planning the holidays...
:)
xo Alison
I just love your outlook, you always find a way to find peace and I just love that!
I can be a spaz (when I am stressed), ah ha ha! A few times I have hyperventilated!
Enough about that, aren't hiccups so cute! When I was pregnant with Kyle he had them alot!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend friend!
xo
gi gi
I love this post. You are right - for the most part is all about perspective. good for you for finding yours!
right now I am thankful for:
my recent trip to a conference and all the potential it has opened up, the cheap symphony I get a date night to tonight, my husband's lattes, sitting in front of the fire, and writing a part of my thesis with it just flowing out v. the typical struggle.
I'm thankful for so much more... thanks for the reminder
I so needed to read this. My allergies and sinuses have been making me nuts all week and this morning I finally had enough, and Ive been snapping at my two loves all day. :\
Lots to be thankful for with a little one on the way. Hope you sinuses clear up soon:(
That is a wonderful way to think. Thanks for the reminder. Enjoy your pregnancy. It may seem to be taking forEVER, but it goes by waayyy to quickly.
Right now I'm thankful the holiday season is around the corner and the pace of things will slow down. Hope you're feeling better now. It's awful breathing through my nose when I have a cold so I can understand.
:)))) You are adorable:)
I remember that panic...and in other things too.
Hugs to you...and YAY for listening to the sparrows:0) There IS always something or other to be happy for....regardless of not breathing;)))))
hugs fromme in CANADA to you:)))
I hope you start feeling better soon sweetie! But it's all well worth it! ; )
Luvs!
Love this today...I think we all need to focus on the postive more. Thanks for the reminder. xoxox
I am grateful for me good health and a loving husband. I hope the rest of your pregnancy is smooth sailing!
Heather, one can always count on you for lovely thoughts. Don't panic my friend, everything will be alright.
Not being able to breathe through your nose sounds very uncomfortable...
But you are a champ for being able to look at the brighter side of life even when you could just sit down and mope!
And right now I am thankful that I can breathe through my nose ;)
I love reading your blog. This is amazing. And I like your little terms and insights: "pregnancy nose". Haha.
:)
I am thankful for the people in my life that drive me forward!
~Zabrinah
You have a great outlook on life! I find it very inspiring especially since these past few days I have felt myself slowly crumbling under my rather large 'To Do' list. I will now look at it and think of how lucky I am to be able to do everything on it :D
x Jasmine
PS. I hope your nose clears up soon.
What a perfect exercise in gratitude and positive thinking!
baby hiccups? so inspiring!
am deeply thankful for my family. words cannot express the strength they give me every second of every day.
this is beautiful :) i'm grateful for quiet sundays with my boys :)
Yes, I agree - to be happy is such a frame of mind. I will make the choice to be happy today!
I wish I could have worked through my morning sickness. It was brutal. HA!
that is so sweet... baby hiccups are such a wonderful little gift. I cannot wait for the day myself—though it's awhile off... love your attitude and this sign—it's a good reminder that we have choice in our outlook on everything :)
xo
this is such a great one heather. it's so easy to get down and focus on things that aren't going our way. it's easier to leave those be by remembering all the good things that are happening, too!
xoxo,
carrie
So lovely you're focusing on the positive...a wonderful post to read this Monday. I'm grateful it's another day where I can wake up, breathe, see the sun and clouds, which are beautiful today :)
this is so beautiful. right now i'm thankful for you and for the blogworld that gives me the chance to read your lovely thoughts. do you want to include this post on the peace train?
http://a-peace-train.blogspot.com/
i think i've said this before, but your writing is so evocative.
this post makes me think of how, once you paddle a little ways out into the ocean, the waves loss their crashing surf, and become gentle bobs one can float quite peacefully on.
does that make sense? i think i have a case of 'monday brain.'
anyway. this was lovely. that's what i'm saying. :)
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