Day 9 - Gratitude Challenge 2021

Today, I'm keeping it very simple as sometimes we forget to show gratitude for the simple things as we take for granted that they're there. So, I'll start with the basics as some of these are still a big deal to millions of people.

• Food - can I say, that not only having food but the ability to prepare it and provide nourishment for yourself and others is one of the greatest gifts in the world.

• Home - having a roof over my head where I can prepare my own meals and do whatever I please is a dream for many.

• Electronics & Internet - the fact that I have not only a laptop but a desktop computer (and a tablet, and multiple smartphones) available to me so that I can write, work, learn, etc. and not have to schlump across town to gain access to such devices is enough to be grateful for in today's world. There hasn't been a day, in the past year, where I woke up and didn't see reports of kids falling behind in school because they don't have access to a computer during the pandemic.

• Air - one of the most basic things that many people, including myself some days, take for granted is the air that we breathe. Sure, it's free for everyone. But, do we ever think about the cost of breathing for those who have significant respiratory issues? We take for granted that it will always be available to us as we continue to pollute the airway with our unsavory behaviors towards the planet.

Today also happens to be my dear friend's birthday. So, I'm grateful for friendship - old, new, seasonal, or lifetime. I'm grateful for unexpected meetings with new people.