Sunday Reset
A Grateful Note
Hello Friends,
Here we are again, late-night writing—my old friend. I really need to find time to write when the sun's up, but since that’s unlikely in my current life, welcome to the late-night writing club! Our mascot is Batman (for obvious reasons).
Writing challenge, day 11—let's get it.
I've mentioned before that Sundays are our low-tech days, but I didn't want to break my streak with this challenge. If I'm being honest, though, I fell a bit short today. I love creating on this platform, but it’s so important not to let it distract me from what really matters.
I found myself on my phone more than I intended, and while I’m all for the creativity this platform inspires, I can't let it break the boundaries I've set. Today was a reminder of how easy it is to lose focus on what's truly important.
It’s been an incredibly long weekend, following an equally busy week, and leading into another one. As I sit here, dreading tomorrow, I’m filled with a heavy dose of “I don’t wanna.” Part of me wants to throw a tantrum—the likes of which haven't been seen since the great tantrum of '99. But instead of collapsing in a heap and showing my kids where they get it from, I’ll end this weekend on a grateful note.
When all the blessings you’ve prayed for start to feel overwhelming, it’s time to count them out.
"Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good."― Maya Angelou
Let’s count them out:
I'm beyond grateful to be the son of a good God.
Grateful for 13 years and counting, loving the most extraordinary woman.
Grateful for getting to put my children to bed, and grateful they have beds to rest in.
Grateful for a career that allows me to care for my family.
Grateful to have a body that I can exercise in whatever way I see fit.
Grateful for a home and the gift of being able to build it.
Beyond grateful for the chair in the corner of my room that holds all the clean laundry I need to put away tomorrow. You’re the real champion, chair. And yes, I’m even grateful for that laundry.
Grateful for this writing challenge and the way it’s pushed me, making my thoughts clearer than they’ve been in years and bringing so many benefits.
Grateful for the amazing writers on this platform who inspire me daily to write what I want, and who remind me that I’m a writer simply by the act of writing.
Grateful for you, who took a minute or two to read this list—or even skim it.
So grateful for coffee!
I could keep going, and I will, time and again. Because even when everything feels overwhelming, I remember that I prayed for this life. The life I get to live today is the one I dreamed of when I was just a little Black kid in foster care, praying for a family filled with love.
When the week ahead feels like too much, take a moment to count out your own list. It may not make those overwhelming feelings disappear, but it sure helps to shine a light on the beautiful things in your life.
Before I leave you, here’s some wisdom from my 6-year-old son:
"Hey Daddy, do you know what's one of the best feelings in the whole world?"
[Me, waiting for what I’m sure is going to be legendary advice from a six-year-old]: "I can think of a few things, love bug, but go ahead—tell me."
[Son, biggest smile on his face]: "When you take your socks off your feet after you've been wearing them alllll day! That's the best feeling, Daddy."
[Me]: "Son, you couldn't be more correct!"
Until tomorrow,
John D