I was explaining to a friend that I was reading A.J. Jacobs book, Thanks a Thousand, and I said, “I am working on my gratitude.” He immediately disagreed saying “You can’t work on gratitude. You are either grateful or your not.” Maybe I should have said I am working on my awareness, becoming more aware of all it takes to produce the things I love. Like Jacobs I love my morning coffee, I enjoy my morning walks in the park, and I enjoy listening to WDAV, our local classical music station while I write “The Pew” and my novels.
Jacobs says that “gratitude emerges from two stages of information processing — affirmation and recognition. In other words, I credit WDAV with producing over the airwaves pleasing and relaxing music. Not a problem. During their three different weeks of fund raising the station tells me at least four times an hour how much money and work it takes to broadcast. As to recognition, I recognize I don’t have the least bit of knowledge how to broadcast classical music. If WDAV didn’t do it, I wouldn’t be enjoying it.
Think about it. What simple pleasure you enjoy, and who and what does it take to bring it to you. Then try to remember that everyone who is responsible is human just like you.
Hi, Webb! Love your work and you! Check out my writing at http://www.MariaLeonardOlsen.com. Glad to see you’re doing well!
Marie, thank you and I look forward to reading your writing. All the best. Webb
This reminds me of one day when I had our grandsons (twins were age 5 and their big brother age 8) in the car with me. I had the radio on the Symphony channel and one of the twins said, “Phitty, we don’t like old lady music.” Three years later they have more appreciation for it but it is still not their first choice.
We have enjoyed your latest book and hope you are working on another one.
Phyllis Norris
Love the story. All the very best. Next one call “The east End” will be out this summer. Webb.