Just so grateful

This morning on my way out to work, I saw this rose beside my garage door and just had to go back inside the house, get my camera, and take a photo. Have you ever gotten the idea that I love roses? Well, I do.

Today I just worked hard all day. Nothing special. Nothing great or grand or different. But it was a splendid day. I am grateful for my job. I love my office. I love many of my co-workers. One of whom I got to talk with this afternoon just after her dad died. She wanted to know what she should do to honor his wishes (which he didn't share with her) since he was a Catholic. I tried to share what I thought with her. And told her to call his priest. I am sure he can help her. And gratefully, I could give her my phone number and tell her to call me any time if she needs anything. And mean it. (I learned how to do that in AA.)

At lunch, I took a little trip to the jewelry store. I had a brain storm based on a comment from Pammie the other day. She asked me if I didn't just buy a pair of diamond earrings recently. Well, yes, I did. But I didn't love them and seldom wore them... so I took them to the jewelry store and asked them if I could trade them in for the pair I wanted. They gave me 100% of what I spent on them, and I was suddenly looking at a whole lot less for the earrings I so desired. Woo Hoo! I got my diamond earrings and didn't use a credit card to get them. They are so pretty.

Last night after processing this thing - which I know I am being vague about, but I need to be - I was so struck, as if for the first time realizing it, how good my life is today. As you all know, I seldom give myself any credit for my sobriety and my good life, because I think the credit is more appropriately given to God. But I took a look yesterday at where I was those many years ago and where I am today. I may not take credit for it, but I feel a certain trust that I am not going to put myself into bad situations anymore. I am going to treat myself well enough to be safe. I have put in the footwork so that I have built a life that is peaceful and serene and does not have a lot of external threat. I can't describe this adequately, I wish I could. I guess I just have a gratitude that I feel I can trust myself to take care of myself.

And today that seemed to involve the purchase of a pair of earrings.

Silly me.