Thanks

   Maybe it was the several thousand (delicious) calories I consumed with my girlfriends family last weekend and the several more I had this weekend, maybe it was the snow fluttering to the ground outside the windows, or maybe it was the stillness I rarely encounter in Seattle. But earlier this week I found myself sitting in my 4runner just thinking. The car was turned off and I was in my driveway. My dad accused me of talking on my phone, but really I wasn't talking to anyone, just thinking.
   It's been too long since I've done that, and I decided I needed to write. I then saw how much I had to grateful for, I saw what I wanted to write about.
   How many times does a person say thank you in a lifetime? This question may seem like asking how many licks it is to the center of a lollipop, but there is one important difference, meaningfulness. It's easy to find yourself saying thank you like a quick goodbye for the day, a moment that is like any other. But being grateful for something or someone should be more important than that.
   Thanking someone can be immensly satisfying. In fact, it can help both of your moods. Whether it be someone helping you put your snow chains on or a stranger finding your wallet, being over thankful is a rare disease. The heartache or frustration you felt while in need should translate to the gratitude your helper feels. Not only will you make them feel better about helping you, but you will then feel more appreciative for what they have done and what you now have. But once again you must really feel it, don't let them leave without them at least smiling or laughing.
   Speaking of laughing or smiling, gratitude certainly should not be limited to those that have helped you in a single moment or time. In fact, those that deserve the most gratitude may get the least. The good news is that it is never to late to let someone know they are appreciated. Write them a note, make them a card, or just tell them how you feel. You will be surprised how much better you both feel, for gratitude is a timeless gift.

Hitting ground

   Sometimes things don't go our way. Sometimes as good as a day can seem, clouds can always chase us down. When these unexpected times come upon us, we are drawn into a whirlwind of negative thoughts, as if the sun was never there to begin with. It is easy to stay sucked into this gust of feelings, letting the situation stay out of our hands. But there is a way to get back to the ground. Get grounded.

   Getting grounded can come in a variety of ways, from a loved ones voice to starting a painting to breathing. Recognizing your distraught and getting centered is a breath of fresh air for your thoughts. Yet this may be the hardest part. Writing has been my biggest tool to seeing this, letting my mental noise leak out through a pen or keyboard leaves room for peace and quiet. Having the ability to fight the whirlwind for enough time to realize your connection to the struggle is your own creation can be daunting. That moment of clarity is the hardest part, once your first foot hits the ground, you know you are stable. You clear out the clouds, settle back into the sunlight and sink farther into your soul.

  Seeing the whirlwind blaze forth without you can be a very peaceful and humbling moment, I know it is for me. The power to not seek complete power is instilled, you are now grounded.