Hi, everyone! It’s the first of the month, and that means poets choose their own syllabic poetry form, theme, words, images, etc. Colleen’s 2020 Weekly Poetry Challenge
The year 2020 has seen its share of major historic events and bizarre incidents in just a little over five months–– including the acquittal of President Donald Trump in an impeachment trial, the bushfires in Australia, the rapid spread of the coronavirus pandemic, and the entire world grinding to a halt as businesses shut down and people are quarantined.
As I ponder on these events and others like the death of (a legend) Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash, the United Kingdom withdrawing from the European Union, the Dow plunging 2,997 points due to coronavirus fears, the 2020 Summer Olympics postponed, and the fact that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from their duties as senior royals in Buckingham Palace, I want to pinch myself to be sure I’m not in some dark and eerie nightmare. Despite the peculiar times we’re living in, I’m sure everyone can find at least one thing to be thankful for, right?
I’m thankful that my family and I are doing well, and that we have plenty to eat and drink, and our toilet paper inventory is full. I’m grateful that this nightmare has not prevented me from doing a lot of reading and writing. My cooking and baking skills have gotten better. Despite the fact that I miss my family I have enjoyed our zoom get togethers. I’m also grateful to be in such great company during isolation – there are no better quarantine buddies than my husband JC and Pomeranian Scribbles. I have a roof over my head and a great view of a golf course. How could I not feel gratitude in my heart.
Although there are a plethora of strange happenings there are also appreciable moments. To be honest, there have been times when I’ve been down, fearful, anxious – none of us has ever lived through times like these. It’s easy to feel vulnerable and like you have no control over the outcome of your life. But when have we ever had total control over the outcome of our lives? We can’t focus only on the negative – it won’t solve a thing. Let’s think about all we should be grateful for.
“The most powerful weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another. Train your mind to see the good in this day.”
Gratitude should be
as natural as breathing
Inhale and Exhale
Stay healthy, helpful, and calm, my friends!
Ahhh, so lovely. Big hugs! ♥♥♥
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Thank you, Gwen. Hugs and kisses to you! ❤ xo
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Beautiful, Vashti. There’s always something to be grateful for. Stay well! ❤
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Yes, you’re right. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed with all the bad, but we should remember the good that surrounds us as well. Thank you! You do the same! ❤
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Very uplifting post, Vashti. Thank you.
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I’m happy you think so, John. Thank you! ❤
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How could my day not be better now?!
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Awww. That’s so sweet, Stephen. Thank you! Have a fabulous weekend! ❤
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Vashti, what a beautiful and uplifting commentary on where we are in the world today. It’s hard not to write about our feelings, good and bad. I’m grateful for you and your lovely words. I loved your Haiku! ❤
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Hi, Sis! Awww. I’m grateful for you and all that you do for us, Colleen. You’re amazing. Thank you! ❤ xo
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Hugs and love to you, Sis. ❤
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Love your 2nd paragraph about gratitude! For sure, we need to see what is around us and be grateful. Beautiful poem!
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Hi, Elizabeth! We can’t turn a blind eye to what’s happening in the world, but we mustn’t forget all the reasons we should be grateful. I’m happy you liked the haiku. Thank you! 😀 xo
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That is a good reminder Vashti! (K)
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I’m so glad you think so, Kerfe. Thank you! 😀 xo
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What a great post, Vashti! As someone who lives with an anxiety disorder, I can completely connect with this post. And I love the quote and the poem. I do a lot of meditation, so inhale and exhale is right on the money. 😊
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Hi, Yvette! Yoga and meditation have helped me significantly with my anxiety. That was actually the inspiration for the inhale and exhale. Taking deep cleansing breaths help clear our minds and relaxes us so that we may focus on the positive. Thank you, my friend! ❤
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Thanks for the inspiration! Keep safe!
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Hi, Olga! It’s my pleasure. Stay safe, happy, and healthy my friend! ❤
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Yes, we aren’t lacking in bad news daily, I agree. We are lucky here too with a roof over our head and food. We have everything we need. I do hope gratitude becomes as easy to us as breathing. Thanks, Vashti xo
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Me too, my friend. Some days it comes easier than others, but we must always make an effort to see the good and be thankful. Have a fabulous weekend! Thank you! ❤
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Love the highlights, beautiful advice and lovely poetry at the end to bow it ofg
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Thank you, Jude! I’m happy you enjoyed the post. Have a wonderful weekend! 😀 xo
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My pleasure, have a nice Sunday as well
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I like the 🌈 and gratitude through it all.
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Thank you, Kathy! Enjoy the weekend! ❤ xo
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Love your reasons for being grateful! Here; to the little things that bring big smiles!!! ❤
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Yes! Thank you, Annette. You bring a smile to my face, too. Enjoy the weekend! ❤
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That little moment of gratitude is important every day now.
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I agree, Craig. When things are at their worse that’s when we should focus on the good things in our lives. Thank you! 😀 xo
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When we count our blessings, gratitude flows like a stream. 🙂 Stay blessed dear Vashti.
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You are the inspiration behind this post, Balroop. Your last comment made me ponder on my situation. You’re right, when we count our blessings, gratitude fills our hearts. Thank you, my friend! ❤ xo
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Your post warmed this old heart and lifted my spirits, my friend. Our world is forever altered and as her caretakers, we must rise to the occasion. United we stand.
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Well said, my dear friend. You’re right, we have to adjust to the new normal, and with the lessons we’ve learned, hopefully, make things better for ourselves and the planet. ❤ xo
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Vashti, you are so right in that this entire year has been like one long Stephen King style nightmare that we can’t awaken from. But, you are also right in that if we focus on what we have to be grateful for and really FEEL that gratitude, it will multiple. It’s the law of the Universe. Thank you for such an awesome post!
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Thank you for your visit and lovely comment, Jan❣️
I’m happy we see eye to eye on this.😊
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Amen Sister. We’re truly living in Twilight times. And like you say, we cannot allow ourselve to go to the dark side. Period. So let’s be grateful for our tender mercies and see what the new world will bring. ❤ xx
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I got a chill when I read ‘what the new world will bring,’ but you’re absolutely right, Sis. Let’s hope for the best but prepare for whatever may come. 🥰
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Amen! ❤
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True there is much to be grateful for Vashti. Hugs. X
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I’m happy you agree, Marje! ❤ xo
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An excellent summation of the year so far Vashti and also a reflection of how the majority of us are feeling at this moment.. I do join you in being grateful to be isolated but also insulated from the virus and to have someone I love to share this time with. Very lucky indeed. Thanks ♥
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Hi, Sally! I’m happy you enjoyed the post. Thank you for your visit and lovely comment. ❤ xo
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Perfectly said, Vashti- just breathe ❤
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Thank you, Jacquie! If only more people were aware of how beneficial it is to just take a few deep breaths when tensions are high, the world would be a calmer place. 😉 ❤
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Beautiful post and poem, Vashti! ❤ xo
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It’s nice to see you, Bette! Happy Friday! Thank you! I’m glad you liked the post. ❤ xo
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Such lovely wisdom, Vashti. There is always something to be grateful for. Beautiful poem.
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Hi, Diana! You always put a smile on my face. Yes, there’s always a reason to be grateful even if it’s simply that we’re healthy. Thank you! ❤
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Thank you for the wonderful poem, Vashti! Timeless and also important. In these days, some people may forget it, but it could have been even worse. I hope you are well and stay save. Keep on enjoying the life. Michael
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Hi, Michael! I’m happy you enjoyed the poem. As long as my family and I are safe and healthy, there’s a good book around, and I’m able to write I’ll be enjoying life. 😀 I hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy, too. ❤
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Great news, Vashi! Be well and stay save, with yours too. Yes, i really adore your poem. Thank you very much for your kindness.❤
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This decade is definitely starting off on two left feet. You are right, there is still plenty to be thankful for.
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Ha, ha! I love that, Mark! 2020 definitely has two left feet. Even the weather is playing into this year’s weirdness. You have plenty to be grateful for with your brilliant and beautiful daughters. ❤
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Thanks, Vashti. 🙂
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A lovely poem, Vashti. I am glad you are managing the lockdown okay.
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Thank you, Robbie. I hope you are doing well too. ❤
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I might be completely mad by the end of this, Vashti, but we are alive and well. The mental strain is a different thing, isn’t it?
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You’re right. Many of us will need therapy after this. Hang in there, my friend. I know it’s hard. ❤ xo
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beautiful post, Vashti! thank you for sharing your thoughts with us and reminding us to never take even the simplest things for granted☺️
Follow @everythingtips for tips and recommendations if interested☺️It would mean a lot to me🥺🤍
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Thank you! ❤
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