a new year and some gratitude

I don't make New Year's resolutions. Why put all the pressure on one day, when you could make a change at any moment?

Of course, I resist making a change around a new year, as most people attribute it to the new year. I'm contrary like that.

One goal I'm thinking about making (even though it is close to the dreaded new year) is doing more things that directly relate to my happiness and satisfaction with life. I'm already doing a lot of this, but making it a clear goal seems important right now. And one specific goal would be being more appreciative of the good things that happen in my life, noticing the small moments of grace, and appreciating life in general.

To that end, here are two small, yet important, moments from a recent trip:

• I couldn't get the key out of the rental car, no matter what I did. I did, however, have friends and family to call. People that were supportive and helpful. They didn't help me get the key out or start the car (roadside assistance finally did), but they were an important part of my emotional support at the that time... and always.
  
• When my flight was diverted to another town, I unexpectedly had to spend the night away from home. I also, unexpectedly, needed $5 for a ferry ride. Except that I had only $3 in cash. As I walked up to the window, I asked the person in line in front of me how much it was, said something about not having cash... and before I could get to the window to ask if they took checks or credit cards, this stranger paid for my ferry ride. And he refused to take money from me the next day.
  

I think the reminder I got from these events was that, even when things aren't going exactly my way, there are still people in the world, friends and strangers, who are here to support and help me along the way. And that's an invaluable thing to have. Especially when travel plans go awry.