BS’D
Big Hill Grocery Shop
Last week I made my regular trip to the grocery store. As I trudged up the hill, pushing my stroller, I had a kvetchy little commentary running through my head. It went something like this:
This hill is so steep! I wish I had a car!
My stroller is so heavy with the weight of all these bags, I don’t have the energy for this!
Why is it so hot today, I thought it was winter? Who ever heard of weather like this? I’m exhausted!! I can’t believe I had to get up at 5:30 this morning, yet again!
Why is my baby ready to start the day so early! How am I expected to function on so little sleep!?
My little commentator then moved on to review the insulting comment a friend made the previous day, and reminded me about a stressful financial situation to worry about. By the time I got home, I collapsed into my chair, completely exhausted and irritated.
Today I made the same weekly trip to buy groceries. The hill was still steep, the weather was again unseasonably warm, and I still didn’t have a car. My baby had again bopped up from his crib quite early (5:19 to be exact), and finances were still tight. But something was different. When I got home today, I felt energized and excited and felt like the richest person. In turn, I was nicer to my family, I felt motivated to tackle a task I had been procrastinating, and I was inspired to do a kindness for a friend. What changed? Unlike last week, today I was armed with a powerful and transforming weapon. Today I was wearing my GRATITUDE EYES.
So what specifically was it that changed in my walk to the grocery store today – that left me energized rather than exhausted? Instead of focusing on the steepness of the hill, I chose to notice the beautiful blue sky and to hear the sweet song of the birds. Rather than feeling weighed down by the heaviness of my stroller, I chose to appreciate all the groceries and delicious, nutritious food I was able to buy. Instead of complaining that I got woken up so early, I chose to bliss out on the fact that I have a healthy, active, energetic baby. I began thinking what a miracle it is that I get to start my day with my baby snuggled on my lap, reading stories, and watching the sun come up.
My finances hadn’t changed one bit – but I realized that I am the richest person; in every way that is important to me.
By Yael Zvia Bauer
For no particular reason say ‘Thank you Aba, I love You and thank You for giving me life!’
