Feeling Grateful

Five days ago, Florida was hit by Hurricane Milton. It was the second hurricane to directly hit the state in a 10-day period, which must be part of the reason why the state bird here is known as - Florida man.
I'm sure to outsiders, it sounds wild to live somewhere like this, but it's all I know, and I've had my fair share of hurricane parties that only got more fun once the power went out. This season was different, though. The devastation from these last two storms throughout most of Florida and other southern states has been historic in the worst way. I feel incredibly thankful at this moment to be lucky enough to not only have my health but to know the people I love are unharmed and my home is still standing.
What I have is so much more than what I don't have, and that's saying a lot as someone who is missing this much of their right leg. These last two weeks have been an aggressive reminder of that.

I won't lie, at this point, I'm wondering why I still live in Florida, between the heat and the hurricanes. From May to November, I'm either trying to keep my prosthetic leg from sliding off due to sweat or worrying about storm-induced power outages that mean I can't charge it. Florida has quite a bit of Gemini energy. But when the sun sets over the ocean on a slightly less hot day, palm tree branches swaying, the condensation cooling my palm from the icy cocktail glass in my hand, she sure is pretty.
I may not be able to control Florida's mood, but I can be appreciative of the good times she's given me and for all of the beautiful blessings I have. I've said it before, and I'll say it again- there is always something to be grateful for even if we don't always see it as clearly in some moments because life seems messy and dark. There is ALWAYS something to be grateful for, and the moment you take notice, even more of that good stuff will come your way.

Are there people in your life that love you? Do you have a roof over your head and food in your fridge? Are you growing and learning each time you fail at something? If your answer to any one of these is yes, you are capable of feeling gratitude instead of pity. And with that, you can pick up the pieces from virtually any disaster you may find yourself in.