Thankful Again, Still

Today is Thanksgiving Day. As usual, I must point out – more as a reminder to myself than as anything else – that I should be grateful for what I have - and what I have avoided, in many cases – every day, and not just today. However, at certain times, we recognise the good fortune that we may have, and give thanks, or at least express relief, for it.

As in the past, I am happy for my continued health; it is surely not what it once was. Changes in my health (they are usually negative; I never am walking down the street and realise that I suddenly have the strength of ten men) have been those which come with age, I think, and so must be expected, even if regretted. My physical well-being is better than that of many of my years. If it is worse than others, that is my fault.

I am glad of employment, and I am glad of my home, the Cosy Apartment. It continues to provide warmth on cold days and security in times that are not as safe as they once were. I am pleased that I have money and food, and the expectation of their future supply. If they are not in the abundance that are offered in daydreams, they are enough for reality, which is not everyone’s case.

And I am grateful for my cats, and the opportunities I have to take care of them. They sleep unconcerned with hunger or fear; they take for granted their meal-times, their bowls of clean water and their comfy beds. That is how it should be. I am thankful for their companionship and friendship. If their behaviour causes me inconvenience from time to time, that is not a high price to pay for their presence.

May everyone have at least as much for which to be thankful. Simple peace of mind and contentment mean a great deal, and I hope these foundations of happiness are granted to everybody.