The picture in my featured image is one I took earlier this week on a run/jog on the High Line Canal Trail that runs through a few counties and has some awesome views, as you can see.
It feels like my days have been non-stop action so it was wonderful to take time on a beautiful sunny day—it reached 80 degrees that afternoon!—and just be.
When I started my warm up walk, I automatically put my earbuds in and started flipping through some of my running podcasts…
when I heard birds chirping. I paused. Tilted my head. And then I took out my earbuds and just listened–to the birds, to my shoes crunching the dirt and gravel of the trail, to the distant sound of cars. I rounded a bend and scared some geese in the grass along the path. They took flight for just a few yards before splashing down in the pond.
I was filled with wonder and awe and gratitude.
It wasn’t long before I was saying to myself:
- I get to organize my closet – I’m grateful to have a closet in a beautiful house
- I get to spend time sending tax documents to our accountant – I’m grateful we earn enough money that we owe taxes
- I get to move my body on a nature trail – I’m grateful for my mobility, for the birds, the trees, the scent of pine, especially when I think of my mom now using a walker and a wheelchair, the ten or so steps to the bathroom taking her breath away, even as she sucks more air through the cannula.
I think I’ve mentioned this before but it bears repeating:
Just for fun, take something you “have to” or “should” do and replace those words with “get to.” Try it on and see how it fits.
I’m betting it fits a lot better and you feel better too 🙂 .
Denise, I used this technique with students and with student workers. Reframing anything into something more positive really does work! Thanks for your post!
I LOVE that you have brought this to students and student workers and that it works. Depending on the age, young people can be quite cynical. I’m trying to model this for my family, but I can fall into the cynical, negative trap too so awareness is important. Thank you so much for taking time to share!
You’ve inspired me. Now I get to take a post-gym shower and then I get to work on revisions. How’d I do?
Fantastic! Especially that post-gym shower – others will be grateful too :-). I get to work on revisions as well – hooray for us!
Love this! Whenever my boys complain about making their beds or cleaning, I tell them it is a privilege to have a bed to make; a house to clean or clothes to wash. Perspective is everything!
Sister, Fan & Moderator
Cheryl
Good for you! Perspective is truly everything. And to feel gratitude is to feel good. Thanks for sharing!