That which is ubiquitous in my life, the thing that I walk by every single day or experience every time I am in a particular, familiar setting, can become invisible to me. For good or ill, I can forget to notice anymore those things that are so close they could bite me on the nose before I paid proper attention to them. They might be so near I could change them for the better with little effort or they could, if I’m too foolish to do that, turn on me and make my life or someone else’s immeasurably worse for having been left unchanged; good things, conversely, can be so near that I could be uplifted by the mere thought of them if I only gave them a thought in passing.
I must pay better attention. My senses should be enough to remind me of all the woe and wealth that surround me at every turn, and my will should follow my convictions enough to make me respond with a hand of aid, a voice of change, or a heart full of admiration and gratitude. The vast majority of the world hasn’t nearly the kind of wealth and privilege that surrounds me in my life—materially, yes, but also in health, safety, opportunity, hope and happiness—and while there is no reason to reject what I have, it should motivate me to take a closer look around me. I ought to take constant inventory and be willing to counter the wrongs and repair those things that I can, or at the least, call upon those who are able to make positive change. And I should be glad at every sign that states the obvious good in my life. Thankfulness is a small enough part of true mindfulness, but looms large in the world of well-being.
Art-Colored Glasses 
Food for thought here, Kathryn. Thank you. Love, Amy
I’m thankful you found it useful. Much love to you!
Kathryn
The need to take personal inventory of our lives, give thanks, and work for positive change are ever before us. This is a very meaningful, reflective piece. Thanks, Mark
I’m happy you found something useful for your ruminations, dear Mark. Blessings to you!
Kathryn
Thankfulness has never been one of mankind’s strong points. We tend to look to what others have and we don’t and complain about how unfair it is. Thanks for the reminder, Kath! 🙂
Funny how hard it is to remember good stuff when it would seem natural for *that* to be the object of our obsession. Silly creatures that we are! 🙂
Blessings, Tig, to you both!
more cuteness from you
My sweet, you *know* it’s the sunflowers that are cute!!! 😀
xoxoxo,
K
I love this post Kathryn; it’s all something I give much thought to. In AA step 10 of the 12 step porogram is “continued to take personal inventory…” and it has become something I have slowly become very aware of. But being human, I let things slide and a post such as this is a very welcome nudge invthe right direction. Thank you. X
Dearest, I know I’m not alone in this battle! 🙂 We’ll just keep giving each other the occasional nudge with our elbows, no? 😉
❤
Kath
Great post!
I’ve read books of how to become more observant. They have helped me not miss things in many facets of my life. However, sometimes it’s hard to ‘unsee’ bad things also. ..
Ain’t it the truth! The trick is to pay attention to it and be aware of those leanings we have to hold on to the bad and forget the good, and you’re obviously already skilled in such things. Cheering you on along the way!
Kath
Following on from Christine’s comment and your reply: thanks for the nudge! Awareness, in all its possibilities, is so vital, my friend. XO
Awareness is also a scary proposition, as I’ve said, to a big ol’ chicken like me, but it does need to be practiced or all is lost. 🙂
xoxo