One ray of sunshine is all we need — how that can uplift your overall view of life?
We often fixate on what we lack, on the actions needed to attain it. Continue pursuing your goals, by all means. But also, each day, start with thanks for what you already possess. When you pray or reflect, begin with gratitude before seeking more.
My experience –
I grew up in a sunny place, once a jungle with scattered villages. The township evolved around a large steel factory, and communities sprouted nearby. The land stretched flat as far as the eye could see. Hills and valleys were a distant journey.
We knew three seasons: hot, rainy, and cold. Those hot spells were scorching, akin to Arizona. It wasn’t a true desert, but with flat terrain and sparse vegetation, the sun blazed all day. Back then, the heat was dry. But that was decades ago. With climate shifts and ceaseless development, it’s now a muggy heat most of the year, with only a few cooler months.
The constant was the sun. We were accustomed to its presence, believing it would always shine. Yes, we had our rainy spells and days of endless downpours. Yet, eventually, the skies would clear, and the sun would reemerge.
As a child, watching cricket matches on TV, we’d see spectators in Britain or Australia laying out blankets on the field. They wore shorts, T-shirts, and tank tops. We’d wonder — what’s the fuss about sitting in the sun? We even cracked jokes about it.
Then I moved to Dallas. What a change it was. Hot and flat, it took hours to find real hills and lakes. In essence, nothing really changed. The sun was a constant presence. Winters brought a few cool days with ice and sleet, but sunshine usually returned swiftly. I remember when 90 degrees was considered hot in Dallas. One summer, seven days above 90 had everyone complaining. Back then, the heat was dry. We’d scoff at Houston’s humidity. Austin was cool, and Dallas were our comfort zone. Fast forward to now, 110 degrees is the new normal in both of those places, with humidity lingering through the night. But still, we had our sunshine.
Moving to Seattle was a shift. The year I arrived, we endured over two weeks of incessant rain in December — a rarity now. We relocated either in late November or early December, the exact date escapes me. We weathered the rains, then the chill. Sunshine was a precious rarity. It was dreary.
I remember that first sunny day. I was on the bus, heading from downtown to Eastside. From the I-90 bridge, there it was — Mt. Rainier, a breathtaking view. The driver announced it, an awe we all shared about Seattle. That one glimpse was celebrated. That is why we chose to live here.
In Seattle, summer traditionally begins on July 4th and concludes on Labor Day. Or at least, that’s how it used to be. Now, we get 90+ degree days in June, and September/October brings wildfires. This year we are back to the original Seattle again, maybe global warming is reversing for this part of the globe. Just kidding!
But that initial sunny day remains vivid. I returned from work, and with my wife and kids, we rushed outside. We spread a blanket in the backyard, donned T-shirts and shorts, and simply basked. We relished every moment, not a thought given to sunscreen. It was then I finally grasped how those Brits and Aussies felt, soaking in the sun’s warmth.
What that helped me learn –
When we have an abundance of something, we tend to take it for granted. Family, friends, community, work, home, electricity, roads, cars, nature. Even food, water, our house, and our desk — the list goes on. It encompasses the sun, the rain, the plains, the mountains, and the oceans.
There will come a time when one of these is absent. Then, we realize its true worth. We yearn for it. We begin to appreciate it fully. Why not cultivate gratitude now, while you have plenty?
We often fixate on what we lack, on the actions needed to attain it. Continue pursuing your goals, by all means. But also, each day, start with thanks for what you already possess. When you pray or reflect, begin with gratitude before seeking more.
This story is a simple reminder: cherish what you have now. I love Seattle. The daily hurdles make me all the more thankful for the sunshine when it graces us.
One ray of sunshine is all we need.
Until next time, Cheers,
Amit
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