Today I awoke, and by the time my feet touched the floor, I knew of the millions of tasks I needed to do before I could rest again tonight. I ran, whirled, twirled, and tried to make sure I was prepared for everything the day could and would throw at me.

Then I drove to an appointment, and took a less traveled route to get there. I realized in the hectic pace of our lives, I hadn’t driven that road in a long time. New houses dot the hillsides, new colors of paint adorn older houses. The sky was a bright blue, and colors crisp and clean.

And my brain and soul rejoiced. I stopped and visited with an old friend, and met some new people. I smiled, sang along to Queen on the drive, and stopped thinking about the to-do list for a while.

It has been a long and challenging year, and some days I feel that more than others. Yesterday was one of those days. Today? Today I remembered all the things I have to be grateful for, and our journey seemed a bit less challenging.

The different route gave me the gift of a shift of perspective, and I am so very grateful that I made that particular right turn this morning!