A Year of Gratitude – March 8, 2024

It was a warm sunny day here, so I found my gratitude outside in nature. I was having a day that felt overwhelming from every angle. For every step I took forward, it seemed that I was losing ground. Do you know that feeling?

I headed outside. From the moment I felt the warm sun on my back, I could feel my perspective shift. My day hadn’t changed a bit, but the weight of it was just a bit lighter. I walked and listened to the chickens and ducks make their happy sounds. They were as happy to be outside in the sunshine as I was. That brought a smile to my face.

I walked for a few minutes, trying to focus on my breath, trying to let go of some of what the day had burdened me with. I couldn’t let go of it all. Much of it has to be carried into tomorrow and the next day, but I can lighten my load by letting go of the things that I can, by letting my arms rest just a bit so that they are strong enough for tomorrow.

Near the end of my walk, I stopped to stand in the sunshine, to listen to the songbirds overhead. When I did, I spotted this branch. It seemed to be pointing at me like a craggy finger, asking me to pay attention to it. So, I did.

The branch was broken. It had been damaged. Yet the portion of it that was reaching out into the sunlight had a bright green patch of moss. It was brilliantly colored, so vibrant against the tone of the branch.

It was just a branch. It was only a bit of moss. Yet in the moment, it was the reminder that I needed. Broken places can be the place for bright and beautiful things to grow anew. It takes time for that new growth to take root, to find the sunlight it needs. But it almost always finds a way.

I was grateful for that reminder. I needed it.

I hope that your day was kind to you and that you found gratitude in a place you most needed to find it.

This post is part of our A Year of Gratitude Series. You can find the introduction, inspiration, and entire year’s gratitude’s posts here.