Big and Little Appreciation

I was transfixed on the Inauguration yesterday. I am so thankful that we are starting a new chapter in our American history, because we just did not need another 4 to 8 years of the same. I feel renewed and energized with the change! I think this is the shot in the arm that our country needed to start to get out of the ills we have been feeling. I appreciate this big change, and I relish the fact that I was able to watch it all unfold.

On the flip side, I am trying to make an effort to not forget about appreciating the little things also. In a way, it is a forced appreciation, because of the economy. Everyone that I know has had to tighten their spending belts since before Christmas, and I don't really see that changing in the near future. But, I think this tightening has been a good lesson for me. I am not just appreciating things anymore out of necessity, but also out of true appreciation. I love a good Bing cherry and a good orange. I appreciate being creative in my cooking and not relying on boxed or restaurant food so much anymore. And, mostly I appreciate the fact that right now I really don't "want" for anything. Sure, there are certain things that are needed to be purchased for the house this year, but as far as personal items, I feel content right now.