Albuquerque, NM

09:18 AM MST. I’ve already been up for a couple of hours. One cat not feeling well, and so I try to pamper her, get her to eat some, give her supplements: all in multiple stages. Already my client in Mexico has another request. I refused to answer the call before 7AM, as I was up until 01:30 AM or so today. Busy with appreciation. Had a report due yesterday that took me over an hour late last evening. Has correspondence to catch up, Managed to eat last night after a long and hectic day. Need to pay bills,write a poem, swim,eat, find the food depot to do a donation and more. By the world’s standards, other than the crisis mode my client is in, my life is simple.

I work on releasing stress. I am blessed that there are two doctors willing to work with me doing acupuncture and other alternative healing. My progress is relatively slow. They have offered a very reasonable fee plan: $0-$whatever I can pay. I’ve been fortunate to pay something every week. My body is making remarkable improvement. I can walk much better more often, with drastically reduced pain. Stress still is a major component within my body, a reminder that I have a long way to go.

Also I have started a major new diet. Fortunately, there are many foods that I like, however the list of do not touch, or rather eat is far greater. Starting a diet during the holidays is crazy, however, the time has come to make serious changes. Changing diet creates a significant stress all by itself. My tenant broke one of my favorite bowls yesterday. I have to wait for her to find a replacement. I pray for people around the world, who need help. I have access to plenty of food, I am most fortunate. I try to tell my body that my stress is minimumal. It says, “Yeah right!”

Years of stress long before all of today’s concerns has accumulated. Like most of house, there are piles and piles of residual stuff. However, the stuff that I have been through, has prepared me well for now. I don’t have a list of many crisis bills to pay. I live simply enough to enjoy small adventures. My trailer is paid for. My car is paid for. Fortunately, for now it is running well, In fact recent getting work done on it has removed one major stress. As I work a lot from my home, I can take this time to write.

In all of this I am also in one of my happiest times in my life. I have good friends. I am meeting new people, and expanding my community. I am working to create new work opportunities. I do more things that I want to do. This thanksgiving I have two places to visit. I can help friends find new opportunities as well. Ocassionally, I even relax. I can walk. I have hope and faith that my healing on all levels will continue to improve.

Here’s the first draft of a new poem:

THANKSGIVING

Our presence here together

Braids faith and joy through generations.

Our beings now energize

Gratefulness within our hearts.

Like bees going out into blossoming meadows,

Our thoughts fill the valleys.

We then look upon mountains’ majesty

And smile, for our journey may be long.

May we always remember and be glad

For the community we share here today.