Feeling Better

This morning I have been lazy in bed. There is much in terms of work and school that is waiting to be accomplished, but instead, I spent a large chunk of this morning sleeping in and reading blogs. And as I poked around other blogs and ruminated on other people's thoughts, I felt renewed. Sometimes there is just something fabulously hopeful about the blog community-that even though we see the negative that exists in the world, so many individuals out there are taking the steps to try to make this world a better place...through their behaviors, actions, and mindsets. I also saw that several other bloggers talk about the same sort of "falling down" behaviors that I covered in my last night post. So it's nice to know that I'm not alone in feeling guilty, especially when I know that we're at least mindful of those slights.

This morning I've also been thinking about some of the moments from yesterday that are simple and yet stand out as most influential in my day. Sometimes those things which seem insignificant can be the icing on the cake.

-I got off the MAX early yesterday at the stop most near New Seasons so I could pick up a gift and I really enjoyed the extra walk home from the stop. It adds a bit more distance but it also gave me much mental space to process, to observe the natural world, and to just feel alive through movement and breath.

-Yesterday was an incredibly beautiful day. The type of day that tricks you into feeling that spring is right around the corner, even when you know you've just barely touched on winter. The sun was out, the air was crisp but not too cold, and that stillness that only exists in winter (even in the city) could be found.

-While driving home last night, a potentially homeless pedestrian ambled across the crosswalk in front of me right as my light turned green. An action that could have irked me, yet it gave me pause as this gentleman raised his hand toward me in an act of apology. I was completely humbled by this man who while going through his own difficulties still took the time to make a gesture of kindness....when kindness may have been the furthest thing from either of our minds. (On a side note, I think I've learned more from and had more memorable moments interacting with the homeless in this city over the last 1.5 years than I have with many of the city's other strangers).

-And then when all was said and done, I felt the kindness of my friends and family radiating through emails and texts throughout the day. And I ended the night with a phone call from my own gentle man...that even though he's far away, his peace still lands upon my soul and calms my fears and worries. Lucky and blessed am I.

Today promises to allow me to run some errands and accomplish some reading for class. And then my fellow frugal and simple gal pal will be joining me for a relaxing dinner at home. It should be a good one!