Day #7 – Gratitude
The worst job I ever had was a temp job I did at Saks 5th Avenue in Beverly Hills. It paid $5.75 per hour, or something. My job was to go through all the returned items, tag them, and sort them into different bins. You’d be surprised what snotty rich people return. There were shoes that were so worn there was a hole in the sole, cashmere sweaters with sweat stains in the armpits and, I kid you not, men’s underpants with skid marks in them.
Who does that? Note to men: If the tighty whiteys aren’t white anymore, throw them away!!! I was 25, broke, trying to make it as an actress, and temping at this sucky minimum wage job while being surrounded by over-the-top opulence just angered me beyond belief. While sorting through these discarded treasures I happened to glimpse my expression in the mirror by the dressing area.
I was scowling. A deep line cut through my forehead, my lips were tightly locked, my shoulders were tensed and I just looked awful. It was then that I thought to myself, “My attitude is making me ugly!” Which made me laugh a little. I rubbed my arm against my forehead to smooth out the wrinkle (remember when that was all that was needed to smooth out wrinkles! Ha!) and I rolled my shoulders back and down.
Then I listed all the things I was grateful for. I was grateful I had a temp job; at least I was $5.75 richer than I was an hour ago. There were some nice people who worked there and we formed some solidarity over the returned items. I was living in North Hollywood and not someplace that snowed all the time. And this goofy job allowed me the freedom to leave to go to auditions. I also reminded myself that this was just a temporary situation and even if I didn’t make it as an actress I knew for sure I could get a better job than this one day.
A lot of times I’m grateful, but sometimes I forget. It’s hard to be positive when you’re feeling blue.
My husband, Henri, helped me with this the other day. He was still in his truck and I met him in the driveway. He asked how I was doing. I was so scared about taking my mother to chemo, how she would react, how I would juggle doctor appointments and back-to-school night and tears just started rolling down my face. He said if it would help I could yell at him or punch him or something. But I wasn’t angry, just filled with sadness.
“Lisa, this is going to sound crazy, but maybe your mother’s cancer is a good thing. Not that cancer is ever good, but at least you have this time together. Just think, if you hadn’t called to check on her back in July, she could have died on the floor and you never would have had a chance to say goodbye. By her moving in with us, she now gets a chance to really know her grandchildren, not just see them twice a year. You get the chance to create the relationship you always wanted with your mother.”
That helped me immeasurably. And when I asked my mother how she was feeling and she said, “like s*** I have cancer” I said, “Hey at least you don’t have Ebola.” Her face changed and she said, “You know, that’s true.” “At least you’re finally starting treatment now, and you have something that can be treated,” I said. “And I’m grateful you’re taking care of me, Lisa. I don’t know how people do this on their own. And the kids are a great distraction. Little Guy is so funny.”
Today’s task in the I’m Too Busy to Take Care of Myself Challenge was to write a note to someone telling them why you appreciate them. I wrote to my friend and my husband thanking them for how supportive they have been. No matter how busy you are, you’re never too busy to say thank you. Everyone finds themselves in difficult situations. You may not be able to change your circumstances, but you absolutely can change your attitude, and that starts with being grateful for what you have and for the people in your life who matter.
How about you? Have you written a note to someone to tell them why you appreciate them?
Lisa 
P.S. – Tomorrow’s challenge is to take a multi-vitamin (or buy them if you need to.)
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