Looking for Good in Unpleasant Situations

“Gratitude should not be just a reaction to getting what you want, but an all-the-

time gratitude, the kind where you notice the little things and where you constantly 

look for the good, even in unpleasant situations. Start bringing gratitude to your

 experiences, instead of waiting for a positive experience in order to feel grateful.” 

— Marelisa Fábrega

      Good evening everyone,
How was your day? In what way were you grateful for Tuesday? I'm getting
plenty of guests to this inn from Russia. Welcome!
My Gratitudes for Tuesday
1. I met with a friend this morning. The time flew by. We went for a walk along the beach followed by time spent at a sandwich shop.  The conversation was lively. It's fun getting to know someone new. I enjoyed the mutuality we shared and this person's sensitivity. This individual is going through several challenges. I'm thankful I was able to offer support.
2.  Cooking for hours this evening allowed me to slow down and get grounded.  I batched several meals that will last for days. The house smells wonderful.  I'm thankful for food, relaxation and rest.

Fantasizing I Was Steve McQueen

3. Exploring the western part of the island gave me a good workout.
     Altogether, I traveled eighteen miles. I cycled for an hour and a half, with a lot of stop and go riding. Westerly winds that blew at 15 mph gave me a challenge as I chugged along, six miles into the headwinds.
      I scoped out for ways to ride along the western coastline---it's barricaded.  I looked at every inch of the two mile chain-link fence that cuts off this portion of Alameda. I felt like Steve McQueen in the film, The Great Escape, gunning my bike as I looked for a way to get to the other side of the fence.
      Old runways that were used for airplanes, when this island housed a naval base, are visible through the barriers.  I'll find a way to overcome this obstacle, soon.  I love the aliveness I feel when the wind blows in my face and my legs are challenged as I pedal into a strong wind.
       I enjoy the spiritual communion I have when I'm riding alone, traveling through desolate areas. Every breath I feel, every rotation of the bicycle wheels put me in a hypnotic state that I can't achieve when driving a car.  

4.  I had a terrific conversation with my middle son, Micael (yep, that's how you spell it).  We're getting together later this week.  I appreciate his caring nature and the respect we showed for one another.
5.  A blog I hadn't visited in months got my curiosity.
       I regret dropping by; a sad place it has become. The topic matter was tragic.  It was disappointing that many posted there, expressing themselves sophisticatedly, while rationalizing twisted values. Yuck. That place has fallen to new lows.
Looking for Good Even In Bad Experiences
        I'm thankful for discernment. I like fun, humor, joy and laughter. I know how to add these qualities to my life.  And it isn't by visiting blogs like the one I viewed today.
       Just like the caption beneath the photo at the beginning of this post, the innkeeper looks for good even in bad experiences. I'm thankful for Keith's, Syd's and Vanessa's blog. Thank you, for letting your light shine. I'm grateful for many other blogs that also lift the spirits of others and present healthy, positive values.
So, How About You?
1. What three gratitudes do you have for Wednesday?
2. What is the good you are finding in unpleasant situations?
3. I'm facing the challenge of exploring the west side of the island where I live. What is a challenge you're facing?
4. Bicycling has been fun for me, the past few months. What are you doing to allow yourself fun? Please share. We can benefit from one another's ideas.
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        If you post, I reply. Guaranteed. I'd like seeing us having discussions on the subjects mentioned here. One way we can have that is through your comments and your reactions to my responses or those of others who post here.
        Thank you for the community you provide when you drop by.  I love hearing your comments more than you will ever know.
        Wishing you a great Wednesday.