Small Gratitudes

A weekly, non-exhaustive list (curated by Steven Genise) of the experiences that make us human.

 

“I’m grateful for the morning light that climbs my bedroom wall a few minutes earlier every day. It reminds me that the spin of the earth on its axis and cycle of seasons continues even through days full of anxiety and events that, left to my own devices, would lead to thoughts of doomsday and final countdowns.”—Laurie Marshall, freelance writer and content creator

***

“The sight of dogs joyously frolicking with humans who’ve been stuck at home all day, much to the dogs’ delight. (I say this as someone who doesn’t have a dog yet but would find one dearly comforting right now).”—Ruth Joffre, author

***

“The Great Blue Heron perched on the downed trunk of a birch tree, stands with his neck relaxed and curved. The family of mallards glide across the calm brown water of the river, disappearing behind the peanut shaped island between me and the heron. He doesn’t move. I can tell from where I am that he is an adult: his bulk and length, impressive. Nothing here at the river knows of the pandemic. Nothing here cares. He stretches long, flutters his wings, pulls the whole of him in and down, and then…everything stops as the heron releases the birch and with one mighty flap stretches his wings and soars past us commanding the attention of all the creatures of the river.”—Constance Malloy, author, memoirist

 

Steven Genise is an author and editor based in Seattle.  He loves reading about all the things you’re grateful for.  If you’d like to be included, email him at stevengenise@gmail.com or DM him on Twitter @StevenGenise.