Everyday is a good day

I just celebrated my birthday yesterday.  Thank you to everyone who sent birthday wishes. When I was younger, I did not think I would live past 40 years old.  Everyday since then has been a bonus and as a result, I not only celebrate my birthday, but the day after my birthday.  In fact, a lot of people know that I celebrate my birthday month. 

My mother died more than 20 years ago, and my sensei, Minako Frady, died 18 years ago.  I am now at an age where people I know, and loved ones are passing at an increasing rate. The tea community in Portland is seeing a generation of tea teachers, long time tea practitioners, and tea supporters pass on.  Just today, I learned of another long time tea friend who passed yesterday morning.

In the past two years, the world has suffered the devastating passing of millions from the Covid-19 virus.  Every untimely death is the loss to a family who mourns their passing. In addition to that, this past two weeks we have seen the sudden onset of war in Ukraine.

I don’t tell you these things to discourage you.  You know these things and many more that can discourage you. But perhaps we can use these things to be resilient by having gratitude and being hopeful.  I wake up in the morning with gratitude that I have one more day to spend with my husband.  One more day to enjoy tea that I love. One more day to work in the garden.  One more day to walk in the suburban wilderness.  One more day to just sit in the sun.  One more day to cook a tasty meal. One more day to make a difference in the world.  

In that case, with gratitude that I have one more day, then every day is a good day.  Someone yesterday wished me a wonderful year.  I intend to do so.  I think that I will be celebrating my birthday year.  If we lived everyday as if we were celebrating our birthday, what a way to live life.  Can’t we do that?  In spite of our sorrows, and our fears, we can celebrate life everyday with gratitude.

Yes, everyday is a good day.