Don’t You Love That Gratitude Brings Joy and Even More Reasons to Be Grateful?

Express your gratitude and see what happens.

Photo by Valerie Elash on Unsplash

I awake early. It’s dark; it’s January and cold even in temperate Arizona.

The best part of awakening — I’m blessed with another day. I immediately thank God for this incredible gift.

This gratitude opens the portal of my heart, and I am filled instantaneously with joy. And what does the joy bring? Yup, more gratitude.

After my meditation, I’m ready to begin the day that is always filled, even for retired me.

First up, a walk in the 40ish degree morning with my Golden Retriever, Merlin — his favorite part of the day.

Delight rushes in as I’m caught up in his enthusiasm to get out into the fresh air. He can hardly wait to discover what’s new for him this chilly morning.

What an excellent way to start the day — hiking the desert hills, observing the life that resides there — the skittering lizards, cactus wrens chipping their morning melodies, and the various cacti in myriad shades of green. Merlin delights in this, as well, and we’re both grateful for it.