304. Thanks

Writing hasn’t been easy this month. Physically, it’s been just fine, but trying to dig up a little bit of yourself and throwing it into the pixels has felt like a chore this month. I blame the election, my time on social media, and the culture of outrage and dread that has spread like unrelenting black mold this year. I’ve just wanted to avoid it and step away for a while. So, I did. I just didn’t want to right anymore takes about the election or any of the numerous problems our country is facing. There are other people who can do that better than me, and I didn’t feel comfortable in the chorus.

So, at the expense of my 2016 New Year’s Resolution, I’ve slacked off on writing. I do this too often. I get so close and then I just sort of shut down. I don’t want to do that to end out the year. So, I’m going to fill out a blogging schedule and stick to it for the rest of year. I’m going to have to double up on posts, which is fine. One thousand words a day isn’t all that much in the swing of things.

These last few weeks have taught me that if you want something out of the world, you have to put it in. I want joy and kindness, so I’m going to put out some joy and kindness. As yesterday was Thanksgiving, here are some things I am thankful for.

-I am thankful for the half-dozen friends I text on Saturday mornings during Premier League games. You make watching more enjoyable. I appreciate sharing takes on different players, Men in Blazers inside jokes, and thoughts on CRAP jerseys. It’s a nice little tradition and community on Saturday mornings.

-I am thankful for my family. Everyone thinks their own family is screwed up. And everyone is right. I’m fortunate that mine did their best in spite of it all. Despite the problems we’ve faced, I’ve had a pretty good life and I thank my family for that.

-I am thankful for running. As I am fond of saying, I’m better writing about sports than playing them. I am thankful that I’ve found a proper outlet for my athletic needs. I’m not a great runner, but I train and work my hardest. I’m proud of that. To coin a metaphor,  I’ve always thought going for an A+ was gaudy and unsustainable. I think if you shoot for B+’s in life, you’re going to do just fine.

-I am thankful for my ability to see the good in most everyone. I’m able to empathize with people easily, which is both a gift and a curse. However, I think it makes me a warmer person. I like having that effect on people.

-I am thankful for joy. Joy is the most single underrated emotion on the planet. Everyone says they are happy, but few ever readily admit to being joyful. When am I most joyful? When I’m running, catching up with friends, listening the Men in Blazers, watching Premier League Soccer, helping others, coming out of Mass, sitting and enjoying coffee and a newspaper, and writing.