I recently purchased an original work of art for my office (look, I’m a grown up!). It’s called “Gratitude” and it’s by local artist Lori Greene. I worked with Greene on the art park project here in West St. Paul and I’m super excited to have some of her work in my home.
This mosaic tile work hangs on the wall behind my desk and is a daily reminder to be grateful.
Back in November I wrote about having an attitude of gratitude. It’s easy to be thankful around Thanksgiving, but it should be a year-round sentiment.
We have a lot to be grateful for.
I’m incredibly grateful that I run my own business. I get to work at home and set my own schedule. It gives me flexibility and freedom, allowing me to pursue the projects I want to.
I’m grateful for steady clients over the years that have made this whole thing work. They’ve allowed me to pay my bills and given me projects that utilize my skills. It’s incredibly fulfilling to do work you love, and I’m so grateful for that.
I’m grateful for my family and friends and community. I’m grateful for my health. I’m grateful for books that expand my world and cold weather that shrinks it to a snug, warm house.
In the last year we’ve struggled through a worldwide pandemic. We’re approaching half a million dead here in the U.S. It has upended life and a lot of people are struggling. I know it’s bad, but it could have been so much worse.
I’m one of the lucky ones who hasn’t lost close friends or family and haven’t lost my job. I’m grateful that isolation and boredom have been my biggest struggles.
In the midst of this pandemic, I think gratitude is vital. When you’re stuck at home and struggling with the isolation, gratitude can help us take a step back.
It’s a needed dose of perspective.
It’s a salve against bitterness and resentment.
It’s a vaccine inoculating us against our own ego.
Wherever you’re at right now, I hope you can take a moment to be grateful.