The seasons are changing.
I know this not just because of the date on the calendar. There is a change in the air. The smells are different. Birds are singing and in the east, the sun is beginning, at this early hour to peek above the horizon. The air also has lost the bite which has kept most of us indoors for the past few months.
I stepped outside for my run this morning feeling hopeful as a new week begins. A quick glance toward the heavens and I am humbled and reminded as I look at the stars which are visible. I am reminded that I am but a speck in this vast universe.
I think, a lot during my runs. I enjoy running because of the usual escape from deep thought which is offered by running. Often I cannot recall what I have thought as these thoughts cascade and become lost like a drop of water breaching the crest of Niagara Falls.
As I run down darkened streets, the only visible light is coming from my headlamp. It lights a path directly in front of me allowing my immediate universe to remain even smaller. I think about the humility which I feel and for which I am grateful. I thought about the recent goings on in our country and find myself dismayed. Dismayed that we can’t even treat each other with the smallest speck of respect yet we hope by continuing to confront each other, often with violence on very polarized fronts we will unite and achieve our desired goals.
Instead, I think of the symptoms of Tinnitus which have been bothering me with more frequency and intensity over the past couple of weeks. The ringing had been much improved for reasons neither I nor the doctors understand. I think I had lost a small amount of gratitude for the life which I have. These last several days when the ringing in my ears has been difficult to ignore, I have reminded of the importance of gratitude. Visiting my mom and dad last night and seeing his inability to walk reminds me that there are bigger problems to manage and I am a lucky individual.
The Stoic Social Worker 
I enjoyed reading your post about gratitude. I am also a distance runner and have had many of the same thoughts as you. I have often wished for a recorder so that I could keep all the thoughts that I have during a run. This is where I solve problems, have great wisdom and generate insights into the world. Unfortunately, by the time I get home and take a shower, they have all evaporated. I also have difficulty reminding myself to be grateful for my life. Good to know that I am not the only one who feels this way!
Thank you Laurie. I could not agree with you more. There have been many times when I stopped, pulled out my phone and either sent myself a text or recorded a voice message. I try to capture those thoughts as you said, before they evaporate.