https://community.aarp.org/t5/Leisure-Lifestyle/GRATITUDE/m-p/2536282#M13729 <P><STRONG>Gratitude</STRONG></P><P>Recently I spent a couple of dreary days in the hospital because of blood clot concerns. If I happened to look through my bedside window, the most that I could see were the drab facings of adjacent medical buildings.</P><P>After I was released, I entered the valet parking area.&nbsp; While waiting for my car to arrive, I gazed up. What an inspiration! Overarching trees with glistening leaves that I hadn’t noticed before beckoned to me as if they were celebrating my recovery. It was a canopy of comfort.</P><P>Later that day, I had lunch at the oceanfront Waikiki Elks Club. Before I had a chance to sit down, I was mesmerized by the wind-driven foaming waves, the bobbing and bucking multicolored sail boats, and the majestic cruise ships in the distance. I have always enjoyed this tableau; but it had special meaning for me after I left the confines of the hospital.</P><P>Now that I am medically stable, I appreciate even more than ever the sensuous delights that nature offers me every day in Hawaii.</P><P>I am convinced that having and expressing gratitude is one of the legacies that my recently deceased 101-year-old “adopted” mum has transmitted to me. Every day that she managed to wake up was a blessing to her, regardless of how painfully her body had deteriorated.</P><P>I take many pills for my numerous medical problems. But what is equally important is the daily mega-dose of gratitude that I internalize for my own well-being.</P> Fri, 26 Jan 2024 01:14:21 GMT schlomo 2024-01-26T01:14:21Z https://community.aarp.org/t5/Leisure-Lifestyle/GRATITUDE/m-p/2536282#M13729 <P><STRONG>Gratitude</STRONG></P><P>Recently I spent a couple of dreary days in the hospital because of blood clot concerns. If I happened to look through my bedside window, the most that I could see were the drab facings of adjacent medical buildings.</P><P>After I was released, I entered the valet parking area.&nbsp; While waiting for my car to arrive, I gazed up. What an inspiration! Overarching trees with glistening leaves that I hadn’t noticed before beckoned to me as if they were celebrating my recovery. It was a canopy of comfort.</P><P>Later that day, I had lunch at the oceanfront Waikiki Elks Club. Before I had a chance to sit down, I was mesmerized by the wind-driven foaming waves, the bobbing and bucking multicolored sail boats, and the majestic cruise ships in the distance. I have always enjoyed this tableau; but it had special meaning for me after I left the confines of the hospital.</P><P>Now that I am medically stable, I appreciate even more than ever the sensuous delights that nature offers me every day in Hawaii.</P><P>I am convinced that having and expressing gratitude is one of the legacies that my recently deceased 101-year-old “adopted” mum has transmitted to me. Every day that she managed to wake up was a blessing to her, regardless of how painfully her body had deteriorated.</P><P>I take many pills for my numerous medical problems. But what is equally important is the daily mega-dose of gratitude that I internalize for my own well-being.</P> Fri, 26 Jan 2024 01:14:21 GMT https://community.aarp.org/t5/Leisure-Lifestyle/GRATITUDE/m-p/2536282#M13729 schlomo 2024-01-26T01:14:21Z