In the last few days I have found myself saying this three word phrase. I like the sound and I really like the focus these words give me no matter the challenge , worry or concern troubling me. My perspective toward whatever the situation is totally in my control even though the situation usually is not. Attitude is everything really and sets us up to manage, succeed or fail miserably. I am blessed with a partner in this life who has a wonderful way of reminding me of this and can always snap me out of a mindset that bogs me down with negative thoughts. This takes me to Gratitude which is really the key to maintaining a positive attitude to whatever is thrown our way. Concentrating on the bounty and abundance of the blessings in my life is a perfect way to balance the difficult stuff and build up the Fortitude required.
Yesterday Burton cut our tree and put it in place for me to decorate. I looked at it and saw its beauty not its imperfection. I wedged the stand a bit so the trunk looked straight from all angles and began stringing the lights. I hung the two strands of garland I bought in Ireland last year. Then I strung a strand of red beads remembering the popcorn and cranberry garland strung by my students many years ago that I reused over and over until the cranberries looked like wrinkled up raisins and the crumbling popcorn started dropping off the thread. Then I brought out the boxes of treasured ornaments each one a story and a memory of its own.
Standing back gazing at the finished tree I accepted exactly where we are this Christmas while at the same time feeling the enormous gratitude for all the Christmases past. Somehow the strength required each year for whatever challenge ,heartbreak and worry has brought me to exactly where I am today. The Santa ornament I hung on the tree in 1999 still spells HOPE and my heart still clings to that assurance.