Читать книгу Above and Beyond - J.S. Dorian - Страница 85

“I would not anticipate the relish of any happiness, nor feel the weight of any misery, before it actually arrives.”

JOSEPH ADDISON

A ray of sunlight at the edge of the window awakened me the other morning. As I watched it grow brighter, I cautiously arched my back and raised my arms. Instead of feeling the usual jolts of pain, I was surprisingly supple and relaxed.

I vowed to fully enjoy the unexpected period of pain-free grace for however long it might last. For the next several days I felt better than I had in months. I took the opportunity to enjoy activities that are usually beyond my capabilities. And I was grateful.

I used to react quite differently during temporary remissions. I would become elated, almost manic. Right away I would conclude that I had eluded and escaped pain once and for all, forever. Needless to say, my unrealistic expectations made the inevitable relapse seem much worse than it actually was.

Time after time I baited the trap and then sprung it on my own neck. It took numerous such episodes for me to finally realize how I had been setting myself up for those crushing disappointments. Now, I try to make the most of each day as it comes—not just the sunny ones, but the dreary ones too.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

I will accept each new moment of grace, gratefully and gracefully.