Gratitude is the sign of noble souls ~ Aesop


Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving ~ Kahlil Gabran


Joy delights in joy ~ William Shakespeare


Thursday, February 18, 2010

Just Breathe

I thought about having my entries each day be sponsored by a letter, like they used to do on Sesame Street, you know, "Today is brought to you by the letter P!" As I bit into the juiciest pear of all time tonight, I couldn't help but be thankful for my favorite fruit. I also am quite partial to pickles and pie, although not together, and the Pinkberry frozen yogurt down the street. But then, as I was watching the Olympics tonight, tears in my eyes because the athlete's and their stories of triumph are just so freaking awesome, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for the gift of inspiration. And so, it seems, my alphabet theme is ruined:)

I am amazed at how another human's story, someone I've never met before and probably never will, can move me so deeply. How I can feel that somehow a win for them is a win for me? And for millions of other people? Just one little disk of precious metal acting as a shield for an entire nation...a shield against the worries, the unemployment, the winter blues, the uncertainty of it all. I'm thankful for how contagious hope can be. That inspiration can spread like a virus...literally. The Latin word for inspiration means "to breathe into." And as physical breath gives physical life, so too, it seems, spiritual breath (inspiration) can breathe life into our spirits. Yes, the Olympics are like a giant oxygen tank, a much needed shot in the lungs of a country. And that's pretty cool. But even more inspiring than a perfect slalom is the every day inspiration I receive from my friends and family -- each kind word or hilarious story, every loving gesture is CPR for my soul. So thanks for inspiring me, and for helping me to truly live.

Oh, and also I'm thankful for the existence of the platypus. Because they make me laugh. And ponies and peaches and porcupines. And the letter P.

2 comments:

  1. ...and pumpkins and Pippin! :) I agree, those Olympics are so inspiring. I loved watching men's skating last night -- go USA!

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