Dateline Boston — I’ve got a lot of problems. My favorite dress has been ruined by an unknown stain. I have to throw it out. We’re thinking about changing our cat litter brand because our purebred cats track it all over our new microfiber couch. I ordered the soap and shampoo products recommended to me by my dermatologist. However, I forgot to type in the 15 percent discount code, so I might have to pay the regular price or go through the hassle of calling the company to correct my error.
We took our kittens to the groomer. She said that we would have to hold our cats up in a standing position so that we could comb their belly fur that is the most likely to get matted. They hate that. Our sink pools with water on one side when we wash our hands, so we have to wipe it down every time we use the sink.
Husband went to the store last night by himself because I didn’t feel like it (my knee hurt), and he didn’t get my favorite bread. I have a cold. While changing the sheets the other day, I noticed that the flannel sheets are getting really old. They smell like mothballs.
I’d really like new clothes. Most of the shirts and sweaters I own are at least eight years old. The fancy leather boots I got last year don’t accommodate my custom made orthotics. Most of my winter hats and scarves don’t match. I forgot to recharge my iPod, so I won’t be able to listen to music on my way to work today.
On my way home from work at night, I sometimes have to wait 30 minutes for the bus to take me to the subway station. I have to vacuum again because the cats shed and there’s a lot of dust in our apartment.
You know what else? Hundreds of people were killed or injured in Paris last week. Forty people were killed when Beirut was bombed. An explosive device was set off in Nigeria, killing 32, injuring 80. Many people around the world are homeless, have little or no access to fresh water, would be very happy to have clothes and transportation.
Try this little exercise. List your problems. When you read them out loud, they will seem like a joke. Next, go to your gratitude journal. Write down everything you are grateful for—for me, it’s clothing, fresh water, food, skin care products, designer cats, a comfortable bed, a body that works, and trains and buses, just to start.
I am grateful for what I have. And I am praying for peace.
Ms. Vaillancourt may be contacted at snobbyblog@gmail.com
