Gratitude outshines Fear

I had a small emergency last night. Nothing that needed a GoFundMe site or insurance adjusters or disaster area support. But still something big enough to scare me and require me to call for help while trying not to cry. And yes, I am fine now, and immensely grateful.

One of my friends is a doctor who told me what to do and talked me through the night Everyone from the EMTs to the hospital staff was caring and helpful and kind, even when sticking needles in my arm. In the middle of the craziness my steady drove to the ER without question or complaint, wiped my tears, .and then drove me home, holding my hand. Two other magnificent friends called and checked on me and told me they love me. Neighbors stepped in and helped with my puppy and offered support. I said thank you over and over and over again to everyone, often through tears.

And something wonderful happened. The more time I spent being grateful, the less frightened I was. Repeating the mantra, “I am warm and safe and dry,” reminded me that I am truly blessed. In a world that is so full of anger and fear and terror, I am surrounded by love and generosity and kindness. Perhaps we all are when we focus on gratitude and relinquish our illusion that arrogance and righteousness will keep us safe, when in reality these attitudes close our heart. Gratitude may not heal all our diseases, chase away all our nightmares, or solve all our human woe . But it does have the power to change our relationships, and ultimately the world.