An Attitude of Gratitude

I practice gratitude every day. I consider it to be part of my self-care. (I have a lot to say about the self-care toolbox, but that will be in another blog!)

I will be completely transparent about my gratitude practice and openly admit that as a grieving mom, there are times when it is hard for me to feel gratitude. In the early days of my grief, this practice felt impossible - but I’ve come a long way. I’m sharing this now to offer hope, and to show that over time, healing moments like these can become part of the journey too.

I do not have a set place or time where I express my daily gratitude. I do not sit on a yoga mat. Sometimes I sit in my favorite chair in my office and write in my Gratitude Journal. On occasion, I have expressed my gratitude while walking by myself in nature. I find nature so grounding.

Yesterday morning I was at the cemetery, and I was filled with gratitude. I had immense gratitude for the hard-working maintenance staff who look after the cemetery. They always wave when I drive by them on their tractors. I had gratitude for the gentleman who sold me the perennials that are thriving at my Clarke's grave. I could hear the birds and feel a gentle breeze. I felt so calm. I had gratitude for my peaceful morning watering the flowers and pulling out the weeds.

As I stood at my boy's grave in deep thought about my morning of gratitude, I began to recall some of the incredible people I have met over many years at the cemetery. Strangers who hugged me when I was a hot mess. Complete strangers. The very genuine and sweet office staff who always let me use their washroom (I get filthy planting the flowers). I vividly remember one summer when a young mother and her children walked up to Clarke's grave and offered me some cookies. They brightened my day! I will forever treasure the conversation I had with a gentleman who had not had an easy life. He was humble, gracious, and kind. The words he spoke touched my soul. I sat with him at his parents’ grave, and he told me his story. It was an honour for me to meet him.

I have so many stories about positive and uplifting experiences that have occurred at the cemetery.

Yesterday, my heart was overflowing with gratitude. Some days, gratitude comes more easily than others. That being said, I know how important it is for me to have an attitude of gratitude.

Yours in hope, Denise