We, as a society, talk a lot about gratitude at certain times in the year. Thanksgiving is one such time that we all sit around the dinner table and talk about what we are grateful for. We then feel proud that we can list things and maybe a little bit smug. To some extent I’m one of those people and I bet if you look down deep you are as well.
I recently spent a month in what was supposed to be a warmer climate but turned out it wasn’t. Things didn’t work out and I forgot to be grateful that I was even there. Some people don’t have the means or the health to travel and spend extended periods of time elsewhere.
I wasn’t really enjoying my time because I was so focused on the cold, rainy weather. I bitched and complained and made myself unhappy. This lasted about a week before I opened my eyes figuratively and literally.
I looked around and saw what I had … beautiful ocean views, a beach I could still walk on most days, a cycling path nearby I could ride when weather permitted, local seafood restaurants I could try every day if I wanted and some interesting local attractions. Sure the bathing suit would stay packed (maybe that’s for the best anyway lol) and the shorts may only be worn once but I had enough warm clothing to enjoy the sun whenever it appeared, to enjoy the bike path when I could and to walk the beach and lift my face to the warmth of the sun.
Sometimes it’s easier and healthier to just enjoy and be grateful for the little things. Something to think about.
Thanks for reading.
Until the next time.
Insightful post…We always hope for sunny weather at the beach (for obvious reasons.) But it IS possible to enjoy a vacation even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. We have to let go of expectations for what constitutes the ‘right conditions’ and realize (as you point out) that seeing new places, rain or shine, is a privilege that many people don’t have.
And sometimes I find “our” expectations at times are not reasonable. 😊