“You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink.” G.K. Chesterton
Being a perfectionist, I focus on the flaws of my imperfect life. I complain about my Parkinson’s voice and my stiff and slow-moving body. I ruminate about what’s in my Parkinson’s future. I curse my awkward working hands.
I began to take the good things in my life for granted. I needed an attitude adjustment and decided to count my blessings instead of my burdens.
In counting my blessings, I developed an awareness of small, every day experiences that make me feel thankful. I began appreciating such things as having a good night’s sleep and a warm sunny day.
In addition to being appreciative of experiences, I needed to focus on my gratitude toward special people in my life: my husband, Tom, family, friends, acquaintances, those that I meet through volunteering in the Parkinson’s and DBS communities, and you, my dear blog readers. I’ve become more appreciative by expressing my thanks, sending emails and notes of gratitude.
Recently after having dinner at a restaurant, I thanked the waitress for being so attentive. Her eyes became teary, and she touched her heart. I realized that no one had ever made those comments to her, and she was moved.
To solidify my change of attitude, I started a gratitude journal and before bed each night, I make a list of five things that I am grateful for during each day. In my shift of perspective, I have discovered many people, places and experiences which I appreciate.
Thank you for your support of my blog during the past four years. I count you among my greatest of blessings. Sharing information and personal experiences on my blog has proved infinitely more rewarding than I could have ever imagined.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones.
In gratitude,
Kate Kelsall -- Shake, Rattle and Roll
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