Appreciation

It’s in vogue to write “thankfulness” or “happiness” journals. That’s a good idea, but mine concentrates more on “appreciation” _ whether I’m happy, or thankful, or not. It’s important to appreciate a winter snow storm, even though I may not be particularly happy about it.

Why? Because it is all part of my conscious sensory life. Another universal wonder I can experience in my own unique way. Something to which I can attach memories, thoughts, analysis, and speculation. 

I’ve never been one to believe “everything happens for a reason.” Things just happen. It’s up to me to assign them meaning, and to find a way to fit them into my life narrative. And by so doing, to appreciate their contribution _ good or bad _ to who I am. 

Appreciating everything can be hard work, sometimes impossible. Sometimes the best we can do _ especially for distant horrors _ is simply to appreciate that they are far away. Sometimes I worry that such is an evil attitude, but I also believe that part of life is to recognize those things we cannot change, even if we can make judgment on them. 

Local things, no matter how awful, are usually easier. Maybe not pleasant, maybe shattering, but a true part of the tapestry of my life narrative. 

The other word which is invoked by all these types of journals is, of course, merely being grateful for the chance to exist.