Back Down to Earth [Gratitude Project 2023: day thirteen]

Not to sound too hippy woo-woo pagan in this business but, today I'm grateful for the "nature is my church" vibes this morning brought. A nice long walk as the sun graced us with it's presence (but hadn't quite cranked to full power yet) was just the recharge and reset button this overthinking brain needed. It was the type of feeling I think I was supposed to get from traditional church, but never quite found, a sort of calm Knowing that is hard to grasp in the hustle of daily life. It's in moments like this that I feel the immensity of the Earth, a feeling I thoroughly enjoy (and find very easy to feel by staring at the ocean or the night sky), for sitting with the knowing that there is so much more out there than just myself, just my little world and my problems, brings a quiet calm to the endless dribble of thoughts. While some search for value in their importance, I've actually found I'm at my happiest when I realize just how small I am in a world so big.

But to keep it less heavy, I'm also grateful for the turtles and butterflies I saw along the way, the balmy morning air (that so many people hate but I find comforting...until that temperature strikes 90 and above), the conversation and company, and the bridge covered in spider webs that looked insanely cool when hit by the golden sunlight. And, to wrap it all up, I'm grateful for the moment pictured above, where the sun peaked through the trees in such a way that was simply breathtaking, and I had to share a photo of it with one of my favorite people (of whom I am also grateful for).

May you find connection to something that brings calm to your storms and grounding to your static.

- Dominique