Still No A/C

Wow, it is hot! How did we do it as kids, growing up with no air conditioning? A week ago I was boasting that we had not turned our A/C on - no need yet…pride go-eth before the fall? So the day our Midwest humidity and 90 degree temps set in, no A/C. And we are on day five. Let’s see, all of my ‘self improvement, new agie’ work would have me ask myself what lessons I am learning from this, or the ever popular – how can you reframe this to make it positive. Hmmm.

On the most practical side, I am grateful for the energy and dollars we have conserved over the last two months.

I am grateful that the markets are full of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. I have been eating fresh salads and other simple, whole foods to avoid the extra heat of the stove and oven. In this heat, my body magically knows it does not need the heavier foods of winter to stay warm.

Stillness has become necessary and with that comes introspection. Life gets so busy, how often do I get the opportunity, or rather, take the opportunity to be still?

I am grateful for every breeze, however slight that reaches my skin, offering a cooling caress. Sitting outside has become habit, watching the fireflies dance and bats dart about. Listening to the tree frogs and crickets. Savoring the cooling breeze. Slap me if I complain about the gusty winds of Kansas ever again.

The lessons? Free will…I have choices, I am responsible for my own actions or reactions. I have the choice to complain or not. I have the choice to suffer or persevere. I have the choice to be grateful that A/C is available, when so many do not even have it as an option. I can suck lemons or make lemonade.

Gratitude, doesn’t it always come back to that? Gratitude for what I have rather than complaint for what is lacking? (challenging when sweat is dripping on your keyboard) So today I choose a big glass of lemonade with a side of gratitude.