Just a short one this afternoon as I break for lunch. I woke up this morning feeling grateful for the life I have. To me, that’s worth acknowledging and sharing. Thank you in advance for coming along for the ride. Hopefully, you’re in the same boat!

It begins by sharing a short anecdote. As a teacher, I am blessed to have the summers off. This week, I have been helping my dad in his machine shop business, which I’m happy to do. It’s nice to spend time with my old man, help him, and learn from him. While I was out on deliveries for him, my mom texted me to ask if I was helping my dad, and if she could meet up with me. I said of course she could, and as I sat there waiting for her, I assumed the worst. When she showed up, she gave me a big hug and said she missed me, and just wanted a hug….

My God, am I a grateful man.

I get up in the morning in my comfortable bed in my house with central air and I am surrounded by my wife and 4 year old girl, both of whom are happy to see me and as excited to be there as I am. I then help my dad for a few hours before spending the remainder of the day writing or freelancing, or whatever else strikes my fancy. I then have a great dinner before spending time with the family before bed.

If I can’t have gratitude for all that, I’ll never have it.

I am extremely blessed. And yes, just like most of us, I got overwhelmed my bills, frustrated by taxes, or surprised at times with unexpected car or house maintenance. But here’s where the gratitude comes in.

I am fortunate enough to be in a position where I have a house to pay a mortgage on, and I have a car that’s worth maintaining. I am grateful to be in a position where life is beautiful. Not everyone is as fortunate as me. I’m 41 years old. I am so grateful I have a mom I can still hug…and who is willing to drive out of her way just to see me. Not everyone has that in their life. I am blessed that I have the opportunity to work with my dad, and even share an Italian sub with him at lunch time. I know I’ll miss those little things some day.

Gratitude is a beautiful thing because it gets you actively thinking about the good in your life. When you are grateful, and really take the time to understand and recognize how blessed you are, you tend not to let the little things bother you. They become insignificant in the grand scheme of things because there are so many good and positive things to outweigh them.

Gratitude feeds the soul. It motivates and energizes.

I am grateful you spent this time with me.

Until later,

-Z