It is Friday night and I am sitting in my recliner, legs in a modified version of criss-cross-applesauce. I am trying to string words together while my writing space is filled with a too loud television playing a sporting event I have no interest in watching. Or hearing. Or interfering with my experience.
I remind myself I could go someplace else to write.
I remind myself I want to stay home. I’ve been running around all day actually all week for actually all the last couple weeks for everybody except for me so I want to stay put.
I remind myself I can choose, at any time, to focus on gratitude and peace instead of whining and feeling sorry for something I have actively chosen.
I tell myself whatever the first quote I lift out of my quote collection will be the theme of a five-minute-essay.
And the winning quote is…
“For all that has been, thanks. For all that shall be, yes.”
Dag Hammerskjold
Seriously?
I am grateful for… I think, remembering my days of more active gratitude practice.
I am grateful for my new wicker sofa, something I have wanted for such a long time and makes my porch so much more inviting and into an instantly liveable outdoor space. Its been such a long time.
I am grateful for the detox water in my fridge, which I will get a glass of when I finish this five-minute essay.
I am grateful for the index-card-a-day challenge I am starting on the first. I’m grateful I’ve started a foundation, too, using the warm-up prompts.
I am grateful for a hug I got at Art for Healing today. I was seething for a lot of the time I was there and I really needed that hug.
My right leg drops down off my recliner and I lean my head back.
I remember what this feels like, this momentary life changing laps into thanksgiving that simply works.
I have managed to write 341 words more than I had a few moments ago. I actually feel happier, just a smidge, than when I started. I have an immediate plan when I get done with this writing sprint I can I am participating in.
I have the “for all that has been, thanks,” down.
Now, my overnight assignment and into eternity is, “For all that will be, Yes.”
“For all that will be. Yes.”
Tomorrow I begin filming on a new project. I play the lead gentleman's love interest. I don’t know how long it has been since I have played a love interest: ten years? This is just flat out fun.
“For all that will be, yes.”
My kids both had a good first day of Summer vacation. I shared moments of laughter with both kids who are at home. Both Katherine and Beyunca will be home soon, too. I have positive relationships with each of my children. Not everyone can say that.
“For all that will be, YES!”
I think I have the will to write more tonight. That feels good. My stagnant beginning has left the building.
Julie Jordan Scott is a writer, creative life coach, speaker, performance poet, Mommy
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