We’ve had a bit of a crappy spring here in Nova Scotia, and of course we’ve been grumbling. There have been scarcely had any sunny days in May, and April wasn’t much better. Still, we have to count ourselves fortunate that we haven’t been plagued with floods, fires, tornadoes or earthquakes. Really, what right have we to grumble with all that’s going on in the world around us? There is so much for us to be grateful for.
Last week I won two books by entering online contests. Our son also graduated from university on Friday. Then too, I won on the lottery! That’s right, a whopping 5 bucks, but a win no less. There is a lot in my life to feel grateful for.
Today, as I wandered around outside, I also felt gratitude for all the new spring flowers and blossoms that are opening up. Just think, in spite of our crappy cold damp weather, they still recognize that it is spring. They’re out there doing their part without complaint.
The same could be said for us. In life, we are often plagued with difficulties. Things don’t turn out the way we want them to. We have to work harder than we’d hoped to achieve our desires, and we become disappointed when failure smacks us upside the head again. Why can’t things go along smoothly? Why can’t we get the things we want in life?
Still, there is usually something for us to look toward with gratitude. It doesn’t have to be something huge. It doesn’t have to be something as remarkable as having one of your kids graduate from university. What’s wrong with winning a book or even five dollars? What’s wrong with the sight of spring blossoms, their sweet aroma filling the air around us?
When discouragement sets in, and we’re ready to give up, don’t forget to acknowledge the good that is already there. When rejection comes my way, it’s so easy for me to forget about all the times an editor sent word that my work has been accepted. Remember that one disappointment should not take away from all the positive things that have come our way. Yet, I will admit, it is easy to forget when we’re down there in the pit of despair.
Sometimes we just have to dig our heels in further and keep on going once we’ve tried our disappointment on for size. Got to remember that it’s okay to try on the ugly things just to see what it looks like, but no way are we going to take that ugly thing home with us to keep.
So, here are a few blossoms for you and for me. A reminder that, even though things may be crappy, life goes on. We’ll still get where we want to go eventually. The apple blossoms don’t seem to realize that the weather’s been cold and dismal here in Nova Scotia. They’re still willing to show up regardless of the weather. So, how about you?
Laura Best 
Torry
/ May 22, 2011As I travel home from holding my darlin grandbaby and playing with the grandson….you hit me right there…..let it be crappy outside….inside never is!
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Laura Best
/ May 22, 2011I sometimes think we are way too quick to complain. As you just mentioned, Torry, there are many more important things in our lives. Grandkids are wonderful. I’m so glad yours are close enough for you to enjoy often. You and Robert are very fortunate. Thanks for dropping in and for leaving comments. It’s nice to know some of my non-writing friends read my posts. 🙂
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joylene
/ May 22, 2011It’s raining hard today and supposed to continue onto tomorrow. Gray skies, water, heavy overcast. Perfect day for watching the game and working on my book, even if I have a terrible cold. Kudos to you, Laura for accentuating the positive.
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Laura Best
/ May 22, 2011Well Joylene, we can either accept what’s before us or fight it all the way. Regardless of what’s going on there is always some little thing to be grateful for.
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carldagostino
/ May 22, 2011I have never been there. I have looked at many pictures of Nova Scotia and it looks so beautiful and pristine although well populated. New Zealand looks like this too from the pictures I have enjoyed of that place. Anything has to be better than Miami, Florida.
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Laura Best
/ May 22, 2011We do have a lot of beautiful places here in Nova Scotia. The sea is handy no matter where you go, and I love the ocean. But Carl, I’ve got to say, many people from Nova Scotia take vacation time in Florida. I’ve never been there myself but surely there’s a good reason for them to go.
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judithhb
/ May 22, 2011I have never been to Nova Scotia and agree with Carl that in some photos it does look like New Zealand.
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Laura Best
/ May 22, 2011Hi Judith, welcome to my blog and thanks for commenting. I’ve heard that New Zealand and Nova Scotia seem similar. They’re both about the same size as well, I believe.
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judithhb
/ May 22, 2011I think we probably have more people than you – 4 million and counting.
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Carol Ann Hoel
/ May 22, 2011Great encouraging and inspirational post, Laura. Every morning the sun comes up and the birds sing. If we have a roof over our heads, food to eat, someone to love, we are richly blessed indeed. Blessings to you…
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Laura Best
/ May 22, 2011Glad you found this post encouraging and inspirational, Carol Ann. So many times we get caught up in our own negativity that we tend not to see what is still positive in our lives.Sometimes that positive things is very small, and yet even the smallest thing can bring us great hope if we let it. 🙂
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writerwoman61
/ May 22, 2011We finally had some sun this afternoon, Laura! Yay! Hoping for more tomorrow so that I can get out in my garden!
Wendy
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Laura Best
/ May 22, 2011WE got sun here too, Wendy. Can’t believe I was able to get the lawn mowed. Strangely, I felt as though I was making hay. 😉
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pattisj
/ May 22, 2011I’m afraid if it’s cold and dismal, I’d never come out of hibernation! But you’re right about showing up, no matter the weather, life is too short not to appreciate and enjoy our blessings. I made a Lotto comment in response to your comment on my post before I read this! Congrats on your win!
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Laura Best
/ May 23, 2011I’ll have to check out your comment, Patti. Ah so you like to hibernate. Many of us do. The weather has a lot of control over our moods. More than it should, and yes we need to appreciate and enjoy our blessings. 🙂
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suzicate
/ May 23, 2011And sometimes, we learn and grow the most from the “crappy”. It forces us to look inside when we can’t be outside!
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Laura Best
/ May 23, 2011Agreed. There’s usually less to be learned when everything goes along smoothly. Looking inside is something most of us need to do more often.
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Darlene
/ May 23, 2011My friend and I were just commenting on this very same topic over tea yesterday afternoon. We tend to complain about things we have no control over like the weather. Here on the west coast of BC we complain about the rain a lot. But it is all that rain that makes this such a beautiful place to live, green and lush all year round with the most amazing flowers. We even have magnolia trees here! We also agreed we were blessed to be living very good lives. I just reread “The Little Prince” and he says “What’s most important is invisible.”
Congrats on winning the books (it is a good feeling) and the lottery. All wins are good!
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Laura Best
/ May 23, 2011All wins do feel good no matter how small.I believe I agree with “The Little Prince.” And as we age we realize that we are more than the things that are out there. We have a whole idea of what we classify as valuable. Material things are most often at the very end of the list.
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fivecats
/ May 25, 2011Congrats on winning the books and the lottery, and for your son graduating from university.
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Laura Best
/ May 26, 2011Thanks, I had a good week. These things don’t usually happen to me. 🙂
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