Being Grateful

    One can be where or they are or desire to be someplace else, and sometimes both. So often we get caught up in what we'd rather be doing instead of allowing ourselves the energy to absorb exactly where we are at any given moment. It's not always easy especially if there are changes happening back home that you have no control over. But that's just it... there's nothing you can do. Send gifts, make phone calls, write letters, but live your life to your fullest potential. Find something in your everyday life that you can control. Clean, eat better, go for a walk, write, draw, read, work overtime, get lost on the interwebs, and those are just my escapes. I have very little patience for people who complain about there being nothing to do especially when out on a big adventure such as Alaska. Yeah, there aren't malls or many food options, but make do with what you have access to. Complaining in earnest for a few days is understandable, but excuse after excuse gets old quick. Find a solution, an alternative, a compromise, something. But never ever blame your woes on a lack of things to do, be honest and know your eyes just need to open a little wider. Beauty and adventure are everywhere when one has a grateful heart.

    Understand I struggle immensely with control issues and being grateful is a new development for me. Just over a year ago, if someone told me I had no control over a situation it's likely I'd have a meltdown of some sort. Often I'd completely shutdown if what I wanted didn't happen exactly when and how I pictured it should. So, basically I was a brat. Every now and again there are still meltdowns and tantrums that I'm not proud of, but I move past them much faster than I used to. I've learned to find something else I can change and most of the time my behavior is the easiest to adjust. That is also more beneficial in the long run, because with practice, the more calm, clear-headed reactions become habit. 

Being appreciative isn't always easy, but learning to love where you are is the greatest gift you'll ever receive.