I remarked on a friend's Facebook post yesterday that 90% of the time I have no difficulty approaching and living life with joy and gratitude. But oh, that other 10%! It can feel like much more. Even in the best of times. In the current limitations and challenges posed by the pandemic, that 10% feels greater, the depths of which require much intention and focus.
This morning I woke up feeling like a 10% day. It is Friday, it is gloomy, it is cold and windy. I lay in my bed, turning over to block out the light from the window, and sighed, wishing I could just snuggle in until my mood shifted. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) that isn't an option. Friday is still a work day and I still have plenty of work to do. As I laid there in the quiet of my bedroom, I heard the birds singing. Picking out the notes of a cardinal and red-winged blackbirds almost made me smile. Not quite, but almost! It is their season. They begin every day in spring with a song, attracting mates, warning off competitors. If it's cold, they simply puff up their feathers, trapping heat close to their bodies. My equivalent of a wool sweater. But the song continues regardless, sending happy notes to any willing to listen.
My morning routine, now that I am working from home, includes checking email and social media before getting out of bed. Probably not the best practice, but allows me to organize my day. As I clicked on the Facebook page, my "memories" popped up. The first memory was from a friend, posting on my page that she had seen two baltimore orioles on the way home. Birds again. One of my many nerdy pleasures. I hope everyone has "that friend". That friend that joins you in whatever nerdy things finds you pleasure. Yesterday I posted a video of a tortoise sliding down a hill on her page. She's the one I text when I see the first snake in spring. Suddenly, the joy of our friendship brought a renewal of spirit. Grateful for a nerdy friend to share the joy I find in nature.
