Soft flannel pajamas and fresh sheets, right out of the dryer, at bedtime.
Unread inspiring magazines.
A loooong hot bubble bath after a loooong day.
Jack Johnson.
Two big ol' dogs perplexed by the bubbles in the tub.
Life in this economy has been hard on many of us as of late. I live in northern Nevada, where, less than five short years ago we boasted the lowest unemployment rate in the nation. Now, we sit in the number three spot and it looks like we will hit number one soon, with very nearly 10% unemployed. That's one in 10 of us, out of work. Here in the biggest little city, it feels more like one in three. I have more friends out of work than not, and out of all of them, only two of us have found new jobs, both of which pay only a small fraction of what we were earning. (And that's a whole new challenge in and of itself)
I can't watch the news any more. It's too doom and gloom for me. I don't read the paper anymore and I try not to read the teaser headlines on my Yahoo mail home page. (I get the weather report from the Sewing Queen when I need it) I need to look at what I have that's good right now and not look too far down the road. I can't look at the "what-if's" and "how-will-I's". I need to look at the "for-today's". When we take things a day at a time, life is doable. I am constantly reminded that I am not in charge anyway, so I need to look at my day, as it begins each morning and ends each night and simply be thankful for it. (I know, oh, how I know...Sometimes this is much easier said than done.)
Last night, after another very long day I came home and did laundry. Although it was late, I washed my bed linens. Fresh sheets on my bed make me feel all warm and fuzzy and secure in an odd sort of way. Especially in winter with the feather bed. (I imagine it's just like sleeping inside of a cloud.) As I climbed into bed I felt very thankful for the late night treat of fresh sheets and a couple of magazines to read in a cozy bed after a soothing bath, and realized that, for today, that's all I needed to make me happy.
The way I see it is that we're all on an adventure and although I don't know what the adventure will turn out looking like yet for me, or my friends in a year (or in three months for that matter) I do know that I have much to be thankful for, and I do know we are all going to be okay. Better than okay.
For now, I am continually mindful of the blessings I do have, today, and I intend to enjoy these simple pleasures. (Like Jack Johnson says, " We got everything we need right here and everything we need is enough..." ) Little reminders from God that things are under control, whether I can see that or not. There is a plan. I'm just not on the "need to know" list. (I am on the "need to trust" list)
So...if you catch yourself letting worry creep in, try looking at just today.
Oh, and take time to savor those simple pleasures in your life.
