Gratitude

How lucky am I?  I've been here in Puerto Rico

watching NJ suffer through not only the most

significant snowfall they've had in years, but more

frigid temperatures and wind chills.  

It has been with mixed feelings that I've watched

the weather reports these past few days.  Obviously,

I'm grateful to be here and not digging, scraping, 

and freezing, but I also feel great empathy for the

people who are there.  A storm and cold snap in

March is hard.  Most everyone has about had it

with winter and is counting the days until spring.

As someone recently commented about winter

"I'm over it!".

Here I sit writing after a morning surf session, outside

on the deck, with the breeze gently blowing, and the sun

periodically escaping behind clouds.  Am I grateful!!!

Gratitude, research tells us, is an important ingredient

of happiness.  Being grateful for what you have rather

than looking at the things you don't makes us all

feel better.  It also helps to look at those who are less 

fortunate than we are.  Lord knows there is a world

full of people less fortunate.  Realize that you are blessed,

be grateful.  

I'm heading out for another session - don't mean to rub

it in. I am grateful and lucky.