Just Behind the Door

Gratitude is the magic pill – the vaccine, antiseptic even antitoxin that helps us increase our happiness and well-being. Many of us have become conditioned to expect immediate results in our lives. It seems to be part of our DNA. It certainly is in mine.
We are the folks that look at the clock after experiencing 6 hours of the 24 hour flu bug and become impatient as we count the seconds until we begin to feel better. We know in our hearts that we have much to be grateful for and at times even remember to remember that point … until we get caught up, once again, in the whirlwind of living. Then something happens and our world is turned upside down and inside out and we are left wondering when it will right itself again.

Over the last couple of weeks I have experienced my world being turned upside down. Scheduled for surgery I did what many people probably do … refused to read more about it as I simply thought it would be a quick procedure that would result in my being sidelined for a few days. I only heard the words ‘major surgery’ a day of so after it was over. Okay I said to myself, since it was termed ‘major’ it will probably take a couple more days to fully heal (in my mind I was now allowing up to 6 or 7 days to fully recoup).

Reality has now set in and I’m hoping to be back to my old self in a month or so. It is frustrating, challenging, and, admittedly at times, still close to unacceptable … and yet it is what it is. During this time of limited everything … mobility, nourishment, the list goes on – I have come to realize that it is not simply mind over matter. The physical matter has a mind of its own even with both traditional and non traditional medical support. You just can’t speed certain things up no matter how much you want to. The bottom line then seems to be two fold, patience – the operative word for the day, week and even the month ahead and gratitude. Practicing gratitude seems to help, even momentarily, right the ship of my thinking and makes all the difference.

I have experienced wonderful care and concern from both family members and friends. One friend put her life on hold to make sure I had everything I needed every moment of the day. She deserves a medal since I’m obviously not an easy patient! I even heard from some of you wondering about these blogs since I hadn’t posted recently. That helped … to know that something I am doing in my life is having an impact on others helps renew the spirit. For all of this I am indeed grateful. It is amazing to realize the impact each of us can have on a fellow traveller when we take the time to let them know we care and are important to us. It can put a smile on their face at just the perfect moment when they need it the most. Yes, each of us has been put on this earth to have an impact on others. As Albert Schweitzer said, “Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude.”

Have a great few days!