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Year Of Gratitude
Peppermint and Gratitude
It didn’t start that way
For three glorious months in 1999, I unconditionally loved everything and everyone. Since then, I haven’t sustained that frame of mind for more than half a day. I’m grateful for those hours.
Same with gratitude, itself. It used to be easy. The world’s changed so much. As proclamations about who the “bad actors” are stream into life from all sides, I’ve gotten progressively angrier.
Last week, an old spiritual practice came to mind (thank god). To intentionally take responsibility for every single thing that occurs in one’s life as something one has created. The practice takes judgment down a notch. This helps the heart stay softer.
Softer heart, notwithstanding, when I woke up this morning, my first thought was, Do I have another ten years? Worry squeezed my eyes shut. How short that seems.
Far from gratitude, as you can see.
But when I read ’s article, There’s Just Something About Mary, on the subject of gratitude, I felt it in my heart once again. The sensation was a little like inhaling peppermint or eating a refreshing York Peppermint Pattie. One of my favorite treats when I was a child. I’m grateful for those, too.
