“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
— John F. Kennedy
Last week, I wrote that I must guard against the two thieves of my present moment: past regrets and future worries. Today became a living reminder of that truth.
Today, I walked a bridge—literally and metaphorically—moving from one shore to another, from yesterday into tomorrow, grounded in the present. Today.
Today, I climbed a mountain. Today, I sat beside a waterfall. Today, I moved through nature with awareness. Today, I traveled familiar roads and saw familiar places through fresh eyes. Today.
Today, I felt gratitude. Gratitude for nature’s beauty. Gratitude for my capacity to move, breathe, notice, and explore. Gratitude for the chance to strengthen body, mind, and spirit. Today.
Today, I felt grateful for my sobriety—grateful for my own determination, and grateful for every person in my circle who supports me. Today.
Today, I am sober. Today.
(For context: I hiked Saddle Mountain in Clatsop County, Oregon, and visited Fishhawk Falls. Much of the time on the trail was mindful and grounding. The drive was peaceful, with calming music. I ended the day with pizza—a small celebration of being fully alive and fully present.)