It’s a good morning to be grateful.

Even for the sadness and disappointments.

First, I’m enormously grateful to know know know that feelings are just that, feelings, and not truths. And that they will pass. And (now here’s the big transformational magic part) that I have the power of choice! This is the concept that opens the door to liberation. When I find myself, as I did last night, feeling powerful PPD (post-pilgrimage depression)—once I realized what was running around in my head causing my malaise—I was then empowered to choose. The progress-not-perfection part: Sometimes I can’t/won’t make that choice right in the moment of awareness. Sometimes I seem to have a (self-sabotaging) need to wallow. Yum, wallowing in negative thoughts, in the hell of my own devising.

The good news: I can’t hang out there too long any more.

I can’t bear it. So here I am this morning, having posted on Facebook about the PPD, having gotten two loving comments back (one gently yet firmly advising me to get busy in my own backyard; thank you Michelle!). I’m up, the bed is made, morning practice is complete, I’m showered and dressed, and am happily gratefully present in my day right here in sunny Oakland. I’m wearing my marinière today, bought at the Marché des Paysans (farmer’s market) in L’Isle sur la Sorgue two Sundays ago. I am going to make an omelette aux fines herbes (herbes de Provence, bought in Provence) for my breakfast. I’m nearly unpacked. Three of the four boxes of stuff I mailed home have arrived. The last is taking a boat, should be here by the end of the month—perfect timing as it contains my Irish wellies (rainboots). I have so much for which to be grateful. I see, hear, smell, taste blessings all around me. I am a grateful woman.

It’s a good day to be grateful.

And I am that.

My journey in Ireland is coming to a close. I’ve had a quiet day and a half in Cork town. Met a new friend at a meeting last night.

I was tired and grumpy when I landed up in Cork. Long drive. Thwarted by the GPS from hell. Prevented me from seeing the dolmen in the Burren I was planning to see as well as Lough Gur. Maddening. Frustrating. Tiring.

So I got to Cork, walked to a meeting and, when called on, just shared my truth the best I could. Got some smiles and nods and the magical release from self-obsession and reminder that my attitude is a choice.

Was delighted by the compassionate and friendly shares. Connected powerfully with a gal after the meeting. Angela. My new friend. She took me home with her and fed me dinner.

She met me this morning, took me to a meeting and walked around town with me. I am delighted to have connected with her. She is kind and funny and super generous.

I just now called the car rental place and asked for an adjustment due to the faulty GPS. I’m getting 50% refunded. Glad I asked. Glad I got a yes.

I’m grateful blessed and happy. Happy to take the day off from sightseeing. Happy for the warm sunshine of the early afternoon. Grateful for the veg soup at lunch.

Grateful I get to have one more quick visit with Angela before she drives off tonite. And for me, another meeting and dinner out and then a quiet night in.

Blessed be!

I release this unease.

I am so grateful that I know this feeling for what it is, that I don’t have to spend the day ruled by it.

I am grateful for the tools that allow me to transcend feelings and circumstances. There is one of each, I think, causing my unease. Yes you may laugh. I’m trying to as well. The feeling is loneliness. The feeling that today would be better with a lover, a companion at my side. The circumstance is that a celeb (I think, who knows who’s behind those user names anyway) declined to play another WWF game with me (that’s iPhone scrabble). Rejection. Ouch. You’ll likely feel compassion for the first and either laugh or wonder at my immaturity in the second. Sigh. There I go being human again!

So, I reject and release the power of these thoughts to ruin my day. Just sayin’… In humble gratitude.

I gotta say how grateful I am for the health with which I am blessed today.

I have problems with my feet but I can walk. And I have tools with which to ease their pain after I walk. My Yamuna foot healers, arnica and rescue remedy. And a lie-down with feet up.

I have a history of digestive problems and have had none on my journey. And I am well supplied with the herbs that support my digestion. I take them!

I was fighting off a respiratory infection the two weeks before I left and although I still have a runny nose I am breathing well. Again, I carry herbs to support that as well. And take them every day.

I am so blessed! I’m reminded of a story I heard a minister tell once, about how the older church ladies are always grabbing at their backs, or hips, or whatever hurt and saying God bless it! One of the ladies revealed to him that they weren’t asking for healing. Rather, they were giving thanks that they didn’t hurt worse!! I totally get it.

Photos of my day with Brigid in Kildare are up on facebook. Leave a comment if you’re not connected with me there and I’ll hook you up.

Today’s a driving day. Pray for me please. Driving in Ireland is scary! I’ve anointed myself and the car with water from Brigid’s well and programmed the GPS. I’m off!

I am a grateful woman.

• I survived my first day behind the wheel in Ireland. Barely.
• I’m grateful for the GPS I sprung for. Even though I am sure I heard her (recorded voice GPS woman) sigh the 15th time I messed up the roundabout and she said Recalculating.
• I’m grateful the left side mirror popped back in.
• I’m grateful I can call and request a narrower car.
• I’m grateful for the second lovely room I’ve booked. This one is very nice.
• I’m grateful for my three days in central Dublin. And my journey to Newgrange. The oldest astronomical observatory ever discovered. Charged. Holy. Magical.
• I’m grateful for the second of two Indian restaurants I’ve found that cooked up to order for me. Tonite lamb and spinach. Triple yum.
• I’m grateful for the two teenage boys who successfully popped the passenger-side mirror back in for me. Phew!
• I’m grateful for the health and strength for this journey.
• I’m grateful for wifi and facebook on the phone. If you’d like to you can see the photos and videos and musings I’ve posted on my personal FB page: www.facebook.com/suekearney If we’re not yet connected on FB make the request and I’ll connect us.
• That’s all I can tap into this post. Short and sweet.

Your comments as always are so joyful to read.
Blessings