It is April in Portland, Oregon. It is raining. It is Portland, Oregon. Of course, it is raining! But, it has been raining more than usual. Record amounts of rain. My friends are complaining. (Today’s title is a quote.) And, of course, they can’t be faulted for complaining.
It occurred to me that I am not complaining. Unusual for me. Truly a positive sign! Honestly, it feels good to have not been noticing the rain. I am on a better course in life when I am not complaining.
Yes, it is raining. Somewhere someone is praying for rain. Somewhere someone is complaining that it is snowing. (Being from the East Coast/Midwest, it is often April flurries that make us pray for the showers that bring May flowers. Here, we have had flowers in bloom since February. Oregon’s Tulip Festival has passed. Michigan’s Tulip Festival is still a week away. [Note: I am sitting in a coffee shop—I am in the Northwest, after all—and a group of women nearby are discussing the rain, of course.] It rains in April. We should be thankful whatever our condition.
Gratitude comes hard. We struggle to enjoy the moment (rain or shine). Let’s take a moment and be thankful. The rain will soon subside, and we will complain about the heat. After that, it will get cold again.
Be satisfied in the moment. Consider the opportunities the moment presents. It is raining. My grass is overdue for a mowing—and, unless they make a mower that floats, it might be another week. I have time for other things. Moreover, it isn’t snowing!
What is challenging your attitude? Divert your attention and focus on the positives. Carpe momento!