Gratitude

What a wonderful morning, in fact it was a pretty

wonderful weekend. I got to surf a fish, longboard and

SUP, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy a

nice surf related event. I am very grateful to be able

to enjoy life.

Being grateful has the power to make a difference. A week

or so ago I had a big gap in my work schedule and headed out

for a surf. After being in what was pretty ordinary surf for

a while the wind went offshore and the swell, courtesy of

a hurricane, began to grow. Each set was bigger than the one

before. I was riding my shortboard and having a blast, then

I looked at my watch. Bummer, I thought, just as the waves

are getting really good I have to go back to work. I'm sure you've

been there, ready to be frustrated and a little mad about

leaving pumping surf. That's when it hit me. Be grateful that

you were able to surf at all I thought. Be grateful not angry.

My mood and outlook changed instantly.

Being grateful for what you have rather than focusing on what

you don't have or missed out on is a strategy that instantly

creates peace. Try it. Enjoy the wave you ride rather then the

set wave you missed. Enjoy the time you spent in the water

rather than be frustrated at having to leave. Give it a shot!