Today's weather forecast was cold, raining and grey. As usual, world news was also full of sadness, conflicts and loss. And tonight, it is freezing! It’s easy for our mood to be brought down by it all, including by events in our daily lives. So it is important to always try to focus on the good things in life. Some time back I wrote in my social networking profile's status update:
"Be thankful. There are so many things to be thankful for. Quit taking things for granted and be thankful, it makes it special. People are special, what you do is special, what happens to you is special, what you have in your life is special. You have to make things special or you’ll get into a traditional humdrum blah feeling and then really, it is your own fault."
With this ideology, allow me to illustrate by using today.
I woke up knowing today was going to be a horrible day. Not a good time to be outside, easier to cancel plans instead, and hibernate. I was also quite physically tired, even fatigued. I logged in to a social networking site and behold, status updates showed lots of sad news. Aware that our actions and mindframe has a strong effect on our mental state and how well/badly our daily lives pan out, I refused to let myself feel down. I was cheerful despite of the negativity and problems I faced. I posted the song that popped in my head, which seemed suitable enough for a Sunday and stated:
“Lotsa sad news worldwide as status updates are showing me…. I’m off to church… and this chirpy song is playing in my head… a reminder to not take life (now) and love (when you find it) for granted…. Do good and be good, love and accept love. Lovelots! Xx :-)”.
Click here if interested to listen to the song while reading this blog :-).... I followed my update with:
"by the way, it's very cold, wet, and grey outside. But I'm walking in that rain with a smile on my face, enjoying today!! :-)))”.
And I did! My huge umbrella wide open, listening to gospel songs in my music player while also singing "Beautiful Sunday" in my head (I don't know how that was possible, but that was how it was), enjoying the cold air - I walked smirking/smiling with a little skip to my steps. I even did a little dance in the rain, like I was softly kicking imaginary puddles or doing a low cancan, hahahah! It made the guy walking past me smile and he did what looked like a Greek dance where he crisscrossed his legs moving sideways with his hands outstretched. We both laughed and nodded goodbye to each other, not stopping to continue our journeys. A moment shared, our good humour infectious!
The looong walk to church in dismal weather became bearable (no trams passed by!). After attending the service, a meeting (where I received good news, thank you!) and a nice cheap lunch (I’m on a tight budget, so this was appreciated), I walked out to a glorious sunny day! I was so surprised, so unexpected! Immediately my good mood level went higher some more. I needed to move more of my belongings to my new place today. A dry day was exactly what I needed! Thank you!
I missed the tram so I had to walk (home) again. My body felt too tired to chase after the tram I could see ahead. While walking I saw an older woman who seemed stressed. The map in her hand a giveaway, she wanted to go back to her hotel which was not too far off where I was heading. We walked together laughing and exchanging stories. I dropped her off, she was very appreciative. We had such a good time that when I looked back after crossing the street, she was still smiling and waving goodbye to me! Sweet! I smiled and waved back and continued on. Our chance meeting made the walk feel shorter and more fun – I was thankful for that too.
I was running out of energy. I knew I could only do one trip. So I filled my backpack and 2 other bags full and loaded myself up like a mule. I think altogether I was carrying between 30 to 40 kilograms. Food stuff is always packed small yet heavy, so my hand-carry felt like it it was more than 10kg. The other bag I carried across my body, lighter but very bulky. The backpack behind me felt like another person.
I walked out still surprised and thankful it was sunny. There was no way I could foot travel the 20+ minutes (without baggage) to my new place, I would probably faint from exhaustion halfway to it! I dreaded the long wait for the 2 trams I had to catch (up to 20 minutes each, which felt like eternity in my condition at the time). I walked to the stop for the second tram (a short distance), where the tram arrived pretty much as soon as I got to it. We were packed in like sheep but I got in. Woohoo! Thank you.
It was a huge relief to drop down my bags at my new place (and doing the trip only once). While unpacking I looked out my window/balcony and realised aside from the building in front of my apartment, I actually have a nice unblocked view of the city! I believed I would only see other buildings; through people’s apartment windows; and an unattractive landscape. The view is not as good as my other city apartments, but it is still attractive. Awesome! Thank you.
I was getting ready to leave when my housemate’s friend arrived. She mentioned they were going to the gym. Though I thought I saw a sign saying “gym” at the reception foyer when I was inspecting the apartment, I did not know we had a gym! I must have been so focused on finding a “long term” nest, which was stressful at the time. Another nice surprise. We also have a pool, yaaahhoo! A few days ago I felt sad thinking I would lose the pool. My current place has a nice heated lap pool and gym, but I could only use them outside business hours. Tenants use was restricted as both facilities were connected to a private gym business. I loved the fact I still had the option, but I actually gave up using the pool as the restriction was a huge hindrance for me. I was usually too lazy or dressed comfortably for bed by the time it was open to tenants.... I still haven’t seen my new apartment’s gym and swimming pool. The pool may be a quarter of the size of a lap pool but it is accessible all the time until closing times. My gratefulness finding my new place increased - seeming to have good housemates; a very clean home; perfect location; easy access to a gym and a pool; cheaper costs long term; feeling safe and stable; and being chosen to live there by my landlord. It became the best “home sweet home”! Thank you God. I trusted you and again you provided, beyond my expectations.
Outside, the sun was setting and it was still clear weather. I was tired but beaming with happiness and gratitude, just the right “perk me up” I needed, ready to walk back to my old place again. I was hopeful but already expecting to not see a tram. There it was 3 stops away, giving me ample time to walk slowly to the next stop. Nice.
I alighted one stop past my usual (my place could be reached between the two), was about to walk back towards my apartment, when I noticed… in front of me was a clear enough view of my old apartment and my workplace. I wanted to have a photograph of the two together but I didn’t know how I could fit them in and still be distinguishable. There it was in front of me hahahah! With a sufficient enough phone camera and just enough daylight left, I took the memorable/sentimental photos. A few passers-by could not understand why I was so happy snapping into a direction “without a landmark nor an interesting view” - “bloody tourists”, they probably thought, hahahah!
I reached home, hungry, and in my fridge was the beef stew cooked for me by a friend who visited a few days ago. He intentionally cooked extra so I could put it aside to eat properly for a day like today (too tired, home-delivered meals or microwave-ready food only please!). Delicious dinner, with cake for dessert, was served.
A day that started with very little promise, ended up with overwhelming and generous reminders of goodness and kindness!
Life is good. Blessings are continuous and abundant. Appreciate what you have, especially the little things, even if you personally think they are random or circumstantial.
My earlier post "Spiritual" gave a glimpse of my relationship with God. So I will also say, thank you Lord for taking care of me, and giving me what I need plus more, surrounding me with good people, and showing me the wonders and joys of life from basic things. I feel so blessed. You are an awesome God.
