While living in temporary housing there is a lot to complain about. I don’t have my furniture, books, or most of my clothes. I am sitting and sleeping on rented furniture that isn’t very comfortable (and I try not to think about not knowing who else has rented it). My husband and I are sharing the smallest living space since we first got married 27 years ago.

It was adventurous at first, when we had hope that it would be less than three months. For those of you who don’t know, like myself three months ago, when they say the housing market is crazy in the San Francisco Bay Area they mean it. We think we have finally learned how to conquer it and now there is nothing to lease. Next stop, airbnb.com. In the midst of this minor crisis, my husband is three months in at a new job and I just opened a new office. 

I haven’t been sleeping very well…

So I decided to take a few minutes to think about the good things. My tiny balcony has a beautiful view of Mt. Diablo and I like to see the sun come up over it in the morning. This of course I must do while looking beyond the strip mall, parking lot, and industrial rooftops. But I am grateful for the view. 

Today there is no sun, instead, some beautiful clouds resting on the mountain and brisk air that I have been missing.

Drinking a coffee while looking out I noticed a construction worker in the parking lot four floors down. He was waiting for someone to arrive to open the door to where he would be working. He and I were in the same moment enjoying the morning, taking a slow moment to process and breathe and be grateful.

Our thoughts and attitudes are very powerful. Our awareness of them is key. Check in with yours today - are they steering you to good things or bringing on more distress?