#408 — How does gratitude keep you in the present?

When there’s nothing to hope, staying grateful is the only option.

Last night, even though I’d been working all day on staying hope-free and avoiding “futurization,” worst-case scenarios came to me.

I knew it was my Ego wanting to protect me from disillusion. It sent different ghosts to my consciousness so that I’d be “prepared” for whatever happened.

At first I believed them. For a little while, I engaged in the catastrophic visualization of a grim future where my son would stay dressed in orange for all eternity.

Bu then I thought of all the pieces I’ve written about not believing your own mind—thanks, self!

My strong back kicked in: “ok, the present is the only thing I have,” I thought. Breathe this breath.

As I was breathing, I remembered how futile rejecting reality is, and that each moment, even those that suck, is an opportunity to grow.

And if that’s so, if life is helping me grow at every turn, I can’t be but grateful.

What seemingly “sucky” thing are you grateful for?

Love,

Carolina