The Simple Things

The advantage of working ten hours four times a week is that I have three-day weekends, and I am learning to love it. Most people dread the coming of Monday; I look forward to it. Tuesday through Friday, I have long days at work. Lately, my Saturdays and Sundays have been filled with fun activities and quality time with family and friends, and I am having a blast. When Monday rolls around, however, I am happy to have this extra day to myself. I can catch up on my hours of much needed sleep, kick my feet up and relax, give my dog, Jack, some much needed attention, and take care of the little things that I didn't get around to during the rest of the week. Today, I chose to be productive with my day, and it was great. I went to an eye appointment and refilled my contact lens prescription, did some serious grocery shopping (the plan is to start cooking and bringing lunch to work to save a little money and time), cleaned up the kitchen, did two loads of laundry, and prepared some sushi rolls for tomorrow's lunch... I even had time to watch a little TV and take a little afternoon nap.

All day, I thought about this video clip that a friend of mine had posted on Facebook a few days ago (to view it, click HERE). In this video, comedian Louis CK speaks to Conan O'Brien in an interview about our generation's lack of enthusiasm about everything and how people are so unhappy despite all the advances we have made toward creating greater convenience and capability in our daily lives. He spoke of all this in a very humorous way, but there was a whole lot of truth in what he said. It was a great reminder for me about how much we take for granted these days... life really is amazing, and I want to live each day with a child-like awe and excitement about everything. To be able to drive for miles to anywhere, to have the gift of sight, an abundance of food to eat, clean and running water, and machines that can wash and dry my clothing in less than two hours... Wow. Just WOW.

I finally feel like I am getting into the swing of things again, and I am the happiest I have been in quite a long time. It is amazing how much having appreciation for the simple things in life can turn it all around. I have a family whom I love dearly, and I am fortunate to be able to spend time with them as much as I do. I have friends who are like family to me, who I know I can count on for support, understanding, and a few good laughs. I finally have a job and can now start paying off some debt and afford to enjoy things that I have been deprived of for so long. It may not be my dream job or even the best job I could get at the moment, but I know when to count my blessings, and I am proud of what I am doing in this moment. It feels good to being doing something---ANYTHING. It may not be good enough for some, but for me, it is... and I am excited to see what else is in store for me, whatever it may be. I am thankful to be alive... to be living.