After feeling a bit cocky that I hadn’t gotten covid yet, I got hit by the humble bug.  I got the big C and it took me down.  I was told by many that it runs about 5 days and then things start to get much better so that’s how I got through it. 

Each day I said, “only 4 more days to go” or “only 3 more days to go”.  It mostly felt like a bad cold or the flu, with body aches, headache, sore throat, and a beast of a cough, deep down in my chest that hurt my throat, body, and head whenever I coughed.  I lay around in my bed or on the sofa, slept, watched tv, slept, read, repeat.  I was feeling lethargic and my body was aching and I thought I can’t wait to get back to the feeling of a healthy body, able to move easily, to be active, to want to get up and get moving.

It made me realize I don’t give enough gratitude for all the times I get up in the morning, give a good stretch and go out and play pickleball, or go on a hike, or a bike ride.  I saw the neighbor’s kids running around on the grass in their front yard on a beautiful blue-sky day and I realized, I don’t give enough gratitude for all the beautiful blue-sky days we have and the joy of watching kids play so freely.  I think of myself as a grateful person, but I realize there is so much I take for granted, and so much more that I have to be grateful for. 

So, thank you Covid, for helping me see the light. 

It’s easy to get caught up in the comfort and familiarity of life when it’s going well, and then take it for granted.  This is my reminder that when everything seems to be going smoothly that’s a perfect time for gratitude.

Here’s a wonderful idea to help you to remember to be grateful every day. Pick a doorway in your home, hang a sign that says “be grateful”, then every time you walk through that door, touch it as your reminder.  I’ve already got my doorway picked out, now I need to make my sign. 

“It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” – Germany Kent

PS: A shoutout to our amazing family and friends!  They were there, constantly checking in with us (yes us, Ron also got Covid), bringing us food and meds, and sending lots of loving thoughts.  Thank you, we’re lucky and grateful to have all of you in our lives.

Is there someone who inspires you with their kindness?  Nominate them for the Matt Kurtz Kindness Award of $250.

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