So lately I’ve noticed random posts from friends listing different things they’re thankful for. One of the Facebook business groups I follow posted an “advent calendar” for gratefulness for the month of November leading up to Thanksgiving. I’m not great at keeping up with stuff like that. I get too invested, my perfectionism kicks in, and I spend too much time worrying about things that don’t matter. So I read through all the different questions and moved on. One of the ones that stuck asked what smell I was grateful for?
At first I was stumped by this question. I’ll admit I’ve been thinking about it on and off for weeks. You see why I moved on from the daily calendar, it would take me all year to finish!
Anyway, what smell am I grateful for? I like a lot of smells. Food, herbs and spices top the list. But that’s too easy and if you pressed me I couldn’t pick just one. I like the smell of my dogs most days. Their musty, individual smells are comforting and warm. I’m thankful they don’t smell like some dogs I’ve met! I love the way my house smells after I mop the kitchen with Pine-sol or when the dryer is running.
And then I sort of forgot about the question altogether for a while because I was stalled trying to pick a favorite smell. One that wasn’t just a smell.
AÂ few days ago, while I was on the table working with a client, out of the blue it finally hit me. I am grateful for the the smell of hot, stainless steel as it’s being rinsed in the sink. Kind of random and definitely odd, huh?
I don’t remember when I first noticed how good my stainless steel pots smelled as I washed and rinsed them. It’s been a while because I look forward to washing them now. But why? Why would anyone be thankful for the smell of hot, stainless steel? Because…
Because that stainless steel pot was a gift from my grandmother. She’s gone now and I’m so grateful for the frequent reminder of her and how she taught me so much about cooking and life and love.
Because there is hot water running from a tap and good soap to wash my dirty dishes with. I am lucky to live where I have access to the basics.
Because there was food in the pot to make it dirty and to fill my and my family’s bellies. I am fortunate to be able-bodied where I can work, earn, and provide food for my family.
Because I have a family to love and care for who loves and cares for me right back.
And that is when I realized what my favorite smell is and why I am grateful for it. Because family and love is what it’s all about and when I think about gratitude and what I am thankful for more often than not it circles back to love and family.
So what are you grateful for? And why?
♥
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