Gratefulness

Native life in the barren Arctic is a constant battle to survive. To the Inuits who live there, the bitterness of the struggle for life is balanced by the sweetness of living. A long life is never assumed, not even an additional year. There is gratefulness for what they have. It is not enough to survive each day if they have not also found something to celebrate.

I think my great grandparents felt the same way. Life was hard creating farms in the wilderness of Wisconsin. Yet the physical life and the fresh food they grew helped them live long lives.

I like to camp outdoors, hike all day through the mountains, and come back to cook over a fire because it reminds me how many comforts I take for granted. The longer I camp, the more I realize how little I really need.

Gratitude is life in small steps.