Gratitude

I was cleaning the racks from my oven this morning and feeling very matter-of-fact about it so I reminded myself to feel grateful I could even do it, that it was a gift and privilege to have the means and opportunity.  I am reminded of the fact that I can now mow the front lawn and that I could not a few years ago.  Mowing that yard takes me two hours and exhausts me for that day.  Sometimes my neighbors come over and do it for me while they mow their own yards.  It takes them fifteen minutes and is not a big deal.

Structure

Right now several of the factors which provide predictable structure in my life are missing or changing which makes it difficult for me to maintain my many healthy habits like regular exercise, prayer, meditation and plenty of rest and sleep.  I find it easy to fall back into chaos and distraction.  My mother-in-law is in need of care right now so my wife, Maria, is staying with her.  She has been one of my anchors.  The places that I normally go to recovery meetings are closed so that part of my structure is also missing.  I tried to do the weekly shopping two days ago only to find crowds of angry, fearful people and missing supplies.  Time to get back to my exercise routine and then I think I will meditate!