What are you grateful for?

What are you grateful for right now? We’ve been talking a lot here about what kind of posts to publish during this flood crisis. Somehow everything seems a bit wrong, trivial, insensitive, inappropriate. The mood is somber, no question. And helpless for those of us who are far from Queensland and are wringing our hands in empathetic grief and shock.

So.

We thought it might be a good idea to take a moment to reflect on what matters. What are you grateful for? It doesn’t have to be flood related or even anything ‘big’. It might be your morning cup of tea. Sometimes the littlest things bring the biggest jolts of joy.

Mia: “I’m grateful for Twitter right now. For restoring my faith and buoying my spirits during a bleak few days. Not only has it enabled me to keep up with flood news and keep track of Brisbane friends in real time, it has touched me tremendously to watch the way communities and people have mobilised to help each other, to rescue people and animals and to raise money for flood victims in ways I couldn’t have possibly imagined. The worst of times can really bring out the best in people.”

Lana:”I am grateful for my family right now.  On Tuesday night in the midst of the flood crisis, my husband, son and I went out for dinner.  I was so aware how lucky I was to be safe, dry and with people who I love and who love me in return.  I am also grateful for my job – keeping me in touch with brilliant people and having some access to their lives through the Mamamia comments. And Twitter.  Is it just me or are the people I follow on Twitter the kindest, most compassionate people on the planet?”

Nicky: “I’m grateful for so many things this week, grateful that all my friends in Queensland are safe, I’m grateful for the journalists and reporters who are working tirelessly to bring us the latest information, grateful that I live on top of a big hill. But most of all, I’m grateful for being an Australian and witnessing the amazing spirit we have, as a nation, in a situation like this. Millions of dollars already raised, hundreds of volunteers, former Prime Ministers sandbagging properties. Truly inspirational.”

Nat: “I’m grateful that my loved ones are all okay. I’m also grateful for modern technology, for keeping me in touch with everything that’s been going on. It’s beautiful to see how compassionate people can be in the face of a crisis- even those who have nothing to give are doing everything they can to help. You are all amazing, keep up the good work.”