Gratitude Journal - Week 10 - October 21, 2019

This week, I give gratitude for the weather.

No, seriously. During this time of year, yes we’re talking about the chilly, dark and rainy weather that is so typical this time of year in Vancouver. The type of weather that makes you want to curl up with a book and a blanket. That’s actually what I did yesterday.

Now, part of gratitude journaling is to remind me of why I should be thankful for the bountiful blessings in my life. The other part is to help me see the silver lining in any situation; even when the situation involves grey skies, howling winds, wet and soggy roads.

The other day I was driving down Granville Bridge, heading home and leaving downtown Vancouver in the rain. I saw many fewer pedestrians crossing the bridge this time; all fighting against the elements, walking on a slant as the rain beat down on their umbrellas. 

Looking past them though, I was reminded of how green Vancouver is. That’s what our city is known for. It’s lush, green city streets that lay like a carpet towards the emerald ocean, flanked by majestic, green mountains. Vancouver is a rain forest, after all. And the only way to maintain the rainforest is of course, plenty of rain. 

I was then comparing how Toronto looks during the same time while visiting a couple years ago and driving on the freeway into the city. Not to just single out Toronto, but most cities I’ve been to (London, Paris, New York, San Francisco, and LA come to mind) are predominantly grey when it’s rainy. But even after several days of rain, there’s still a lack of greenery when the clouds part and the sun shines. Despite Vancouver’s penchant to rain nearly two-thirds of the year, we get rewarded with one of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet.  

As any resident or visitor - or umpteen number of travel magazines will tell you - it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And for that, I am grateful for the rain.