Simple Pleasures

I left work in tears yesterday. On the drive home, I tried to breathe and look at the scenery and get in a better headspace. I stopped off at Home Depot and my truck stalled. I couldn’t get it going and a guy came over and helped move it out of the way. I called for help and I sat there in the cab of the truck waiting, tears running down my face.

As I was sitting there wondering if I should apply for a job at Home Depot, a woman came up to my window and asked me if I was okay. I told her that I was having a bad day. She told me that it was her birthday and her son took her to buy flowers. She touched my arm and told me that she hoped my day got better. She was wearing a pink blouse and it reminded me of my mother. And it made me smile, because I had been wishing I could just call my mom. I told her that I was sure things would get better.

The truck DID start this morning and I headed off to work, trying to be positive. I listen to this inane radio show every morning and sometimes can feel my brain cells shrinking with the pure banality of it. But sometimes, there’s just enough SOMETHING that keeps me listening. Today they read off a list of simple pleasures. It was so sweet that it inspired one of my own.

1. Iris blooming.

2. Sitting on the steps of my front porch with a cup of tea in my hands.

3. When someone at the grocery store offers to let me go ahead in line.

4. When I run into old students and they light up.

5. Opening up a new can of paint and seeing the color so clean and smooth.

6. Talking to my girlfriends on the phone.

7. A song coming on the radio that I love.

8. Big furry bumblebees in the honeysuckle.

9. Honeysuckle.

I realized that my list is endless. So I am sitting in the truck that got me to work. I have my list in my mind and I am ready to face whatever the day has in store for me