What am I thankful for?

Beautiful sunrise and sunset. The birds are singing happily. The rain dripped from the eaves and hit the ground. The smell of cut grass. The bite of my favorite chocolate candy, sweet but not too sweet. The wind against my skin simultaneously, I feel the sun’s warmth. A loved one’s laughter and smile. Finally, finally, I can write and draw.

During the past two years s Pandemic has thrown the world into chaos. Daily news of new deaths and infections due to the COVID-19 virus and its mutations Delta and Omicron is displayed. This is a time of great uncertainty all over the world. There is a ripple effect of economic loss. We have lived in isolation without being able to give hugs and kisses. We have not been able to travel. Yet, despite this fearful time, there is a sense of hope as scientists worldwide have hurried to create vaccines that would lessen the deadliness of the virus.

At first, at the beginning of the Pandemic, I had much resentment that people in Hawaii did not want to wear masks. However, as the months have passed and now it is two years since people have been instructed to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, people still don’t wear masks or choose not to wear masks. I am grateful for those who choose to wear masks.

I am glad that I learned some lessons during the Pandemic.  Every day the sun shines bright. Every day I am surrounded by Buddha’s unbiased compassion. Every day I am thankful for the opportunities that I have been given. Every day I am glad to be alive during this time.

The Pandemic has created new meaning in my life. It has taught me that I must change my paradigm. Instead of cannot, I can. Instead of why me, why not me. Instead of self, everyone. Instead of poor, rich. Instead of sick, healthy. For the world to be whole, we must change our paradigms. We choose how much we use. Use what you need.  We must use and re-use. We must recycle plastic and aluminum cans as well as paper and cardboard.

During this time, isolation has created opportunities to learn new skills. I have also become much more introspective. I have also been delighted to discover that I am human. To be human means that I don’t have to take myself so seriously. I can make mistakes and laugh about them later. I can accept myself for being flawed.

Make a list of 5 things you are not grateful for: next to that, list what you are thankful for.

I am unhappy that everything is so expensive now. However, I am happy that I can still purchase what I need even though everything is expensive.

I am unhappy that there is so much crime and injustice. But, on the other hand, I am happy that people are more aware of criminal activity and are willing to speak out against injustice.

I am unhappy that there are so much homeless people in Honolulu. But, I am happy that we are willing to seek an end to homelessness in our city.

I am unhappy with our Mayor and Governor for their response against COVID. However, I am happy that the Mayor and Governor acted quickly in the name of public safety to shut down businesses to prevent the illness from spreading to our most vulnerable population.

I hope that the Pandemic will end tomorrow. I am grateful that I have a tomorrow to look forward to.

When you see that the mind is the source of unhappiness, you can also see that changing your mind is the source of happiness.        

by Charlene Kihara