“A misty morning does not signify a cloudy day.” Ancient Proverb
“There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart.” Celia Thaxter
It’s definitely a misty morning outside my door, but inside, a soft summer breeze is blowing in my grateful heart.
First, I’m looking forward to working on a piece of writing that matters to me. It has exciting possibilities, but it’s not there yet. But I have an idea for making it better and I’m excited about getting my changes down on paper and seeing how they play out. I’m feeling a sense of adventure — I’m not sure what I’ll end up with, but I’ve come up with some ideas and I can’t wait to see if they work.
I feel so grateful to be doing work that I love — that excites and energizes me and keeps me growing and going.
And second, I began my morning by thinking about all the people who’ve been helping me with my writing projects. All the people who’ve encouraged me and lifted me up. All the people who’ve given me new ideas and helped me think in fresh ways about my stories. I think of all these helpers as my writing angels. Sometimes, when I feel stuck, I feel them hovering around me invisibly, sending me strength.
And third, I’ve been thinking about all the wonderful opportunities that lie ahead in the coming year: All the projects I have sitting in drawers and on my computer that I’m eager to finish. All the new ideas that might come to me. All the potential for reaching and touching readers that my finished work holds. All the joy that anticipation brings.
A grateful heart — what a gift it is! When we begin our day with a grateful heart, the whole world lies before us. It may be a misty morning outside, but we feel light and summery within. We feel open and alive. We feel happy to set our hand to the day’s work.
Why not start our days by spending a few moments giving heartfelt thanks for all the gifts we’ve been given as creatives and writers: the chance to build castles and kingdoms out of the air; the chance to share what we’ve learned; the chance to entertain and inspire.
A relaxed mind is a creative mind. And a grateful heart is an abundant heart. What better place can there be to create from as we all write on!