Gratitude

“I couldn’t live without!” What a wonderful title. A superbthought. My goodness, there are so many things to be grateful for.

LastWednesday morning I pondered this.

I packed mybeloved partner Tony off to work, waved him “goodbye” and promptly walked onthe beach to watch the sunrise.

My thoughtsdeepened as to what to write.

I began tofeel an inner glow and became even more aware of how much joy I get fromwatching the sunrise.

Being fullypresent in it; the colours, the freshness of the cold on my face, the comfortof my new boots keeping my feet and ankles warm, the appreciation for thewarmth my coat provides, the comfort of my gloves – rather than having painfullycold fingers and hands.

The incrediblejoy of hearing the ocean, watching the waves and crunching the shellsunderfoot.

On occasionsthere is a lovely salty smell reminding me of our closeness to the sea too. Iappreciate it all.

The pure joyof listening.

The simplejoy of being and the deeper understanding that some people will perhaps neverexperience the joy, the peace and the bliss I feel I have in these precious moments.

Some placeshave the ability to touch our souls. Our home touches us. The view over theocean daily – weather permitting. The ambience in our home is very precious tous both.

Pause.

I adorebeing in the outdoors. It brings me a deep peace and an even deeper connectionto myself. My particular love is for the trees and THE MUD!

I’m probablyat my happiest when I’m out and about with my rucksack and my flask. Maybe apacked lunch and my trusted, treasured hiking boots.

So… just what is it I couldn’t live without?

I ponderedthroughout the day and later collected my granddaughters from school.

I chatted tothem about what I should write about. They are aged ten, six and four. Eve,Rose and Phoebe. They all know my silly sense of humour and how daft I can be!

They knowhow much I love and adore them. They know how much I love and adore Tony, mypartner.

They are well aware of my love of chocolate and CAKE!

I oftentreat them after school to Booths flapjack or Tiffin. I often make them guesswhat kind of treat I’ve purchased. They usually guess correctly within seconds!I have trained them well.

At theweekend we were invited for a most splendid Sunday roast with them. I politelyasked if we should bring something.

Living near“M & S” is NOT always such a great thing. The cheeses are far too yummy….. Andthe cakes! Well….

So we found“CONNIE The Caterpillar” – rather than Colin and neither of us had read thelabel properly!

The girls howledlaughing at us when we announced we’d brought a “Colin”.

We also tooka trifle which was exceptionally delicious.

So, Anne yougot me thinking. What is it I truly couldn’t live without?

They are somany things in truth. I love hiking, I love walking and I love naturegenerally.

The simplejoy I get at the moment from the spring flowers. The daffodils, the tulips, thecrocus, the snowdrops especially.

One of myfavourite places is Derwentwater, near Keswick. I love Castlerigg, stone circleand the views from there with the surrounding mountains.

I lovemountains and I need a “Fix” there from time to time; at least three times ayear, or preferably once a month.

I live mylife with deep gratitude. On the very occasional days when I seem to be under adark cloud, I seek to find the smallest joy from the smallest things.

A beachwalk, a hot cup of one my favourite herbal teas, a message or a phone call froma friend.  

……A precious heart to heart hug; I’m known as “The HugMaster”.

Sometimesit’s the simple joy from reading, or writing a treasured book. (I have writtenseven).

Maybe orplanning a workshop… or even writing a tribute to the deceased for the bereftfamily. I’m also a funeral celebrant too.

 I love music and I love to sing. Years ago Isang with Brian Catterall who was one of the support guitarists to Queen.Freddie was a close friend of his.

Heencouraged me to begin to write songs and I have written about twenty to date.

I value my beloved Tony. Our time together is precious.

Each of his manyaspects are treasured; his thoughtfulness, support, patience, his cuddles,hugs, smiles, his sharp sense of humour, his unconditional love, hisawesomeness and his cooking skills!

His raw honestyand the way he brings out the very best in me. He challenges me and allows meto become the best version of myself that I can be.

I cannotlive without my treasured family and many valued friends.

Both Tonyand I are very lucky that we both have both our parents alive and kicking.

I appreciategreat conversation and eating a meal with good company. I appreciate all thosewho have brought me great challenges and learnings. I cherish laughter andhumour.

Watching adeeply touching film, or a ballet at the theatre. I love to dance and sing.

What I truly couldn’t live without is appreciating each andevery moment. Even some very harsh life lessons.

I honour being present and being grateful.

Besides these I treasure birdsong, the fragrance of freshflowers, wild garlic, fresh bread, ground coffee and silence.

Thank youMary x

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