Daily Ramblings – Thankful Thursday – The Simple Things

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comfortable chairs, Creature comforts, Grateful, hot meals, hot showers, Simple Things, Thankful, warm beds

Today, I’m grateful for the simple things. A comfortable bed. A hot shower. A nice reclining rocker.

One benefit of military service is the ability to enjoy these creature comforts because when you’re in the field, sleep, warm food, a comfortable bed, even a shower, is rare. I have something to compare these simple comforts with.

I’ve been out of the Army for 15 years, but still remember waking up in sub-zero temperatures, dreading the moment I had to get out of my warm sleeping bag, put on my boots, get my layered clothing on, and waiting for my butane burner to warm my first cup of coffee.

When I was in the field, particularly at night when I laid down, I thought of my girlfriends. After I was married, I thought about my wife. I remembered how soft she was, how warm it she was when we were together in bed, and how she smelled. I reminisced about her laugh, her smile, and the things we would do together when I returned.

When we did return, the reunions were awesome. Even when I was gone for a few weeks, it felt like I was gone for a year. That first hot shower was pure ecstasy. That first kiss was absolute bliss. The first warm meal at a restaurant or at home was heaven.

I’ve lost those feelings somewhat now that I’m out of the military, but from time-to-time, I remember how great it was to sleep in a warm bed after sleeping on the cold ground. I remember that first great meal, after eating cold MREs (Meals Ready to Eat). I remember that first embrace when I returned. So today, I’m grateful for the simple things.

Until next time…

Dave

Daily Ramblings – Wisdom Wednesday – The Simple Things

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Peace, Reading, rituals, Simple Things, solitude, Tranquility, wisdom, Writing

“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.”―Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

I took quite a few years to realize the wisdom Paulo Coelho refers to in this quote. Like, all young men, I sought fame, glory, and riches. I had a terrific military career in the Army, spanning 20 years. When I retired, I transitioned into technical recruiting, my second career. This career was very lucrative and set me up for an early retirement. Now I am pursuing a third career in writing, teaching, and writing programs for the web and mobile devices.

I enjoyed making a lot of money but discovered it was empty, at least for me. When my Dad’s illness kicked in, I returned home to help my folks. My days are simple, yet productive. I work through my daily routine, enjoy a few cups of coffee and good meals (I love to cook), and really enjoy the solitude and peacefulness that accompany my morning journaling. During the winter months it is even more special because the warmth of my coffee is a stark contrast to the cold on the other side of my living room window.

I used to use a desktop computer only for my work. Now I find my laptop to be a better companion. It allows me to enjoy different parts of my home as I work through my daily rituals. My core activities are exercise, meditation, journaling, working on my book projects, and working through various online courses, pursuing my varied areas of interest. I take my laptop everywhere, especially the coffee shops I enjoy going to.

My life is simple but rich. I take comfort in my routines and my little joys. I enjoy a warm cup of coffee in the morning. I enjoy the peace that accompanies my writing. I am engaged when I am learning new coding techniques and other topics. One of my greatest joys is relaxing while I read. Reading is a true joy, particularly when I am learning something new, or engrossed in a story.

When you slow down, you notice the little things that make life a grand experience. Petting the family dog, eating a meal with your family, conversations in the morning over coffee, looking at the snow, and enjoying those moments you realize how terrific life is. The simple things in life are the things that make life worth living.

Until next time…

Dave