Less lonely today, than I have ever been

It's Tuesday, and that means I'm off to Newbrook! I'll be at the Public Library between 5:30 and 7:30 this evening for a book reading and signing and I am VERY excited!

Oh and thank you to Dwayne M Nemlander who took another box of my books to Killam Guardian Drugs yesterday. THANK YOU KILLAM!

A very pleasant man came over last night to hook up my new dishwasher. As he worked, he asked what I did for a living. I opted to say I was retired, because I just wasn't up to having a discussion about what I'm really doing these days. He then asked if I was on my own. When I answered 'yes', he said 'what is wrong with people in this country? I do this every day, and every day I see so many single women. They're all by themselves. I guess they want to be independent. It's so sad'.

Still not wanting to get into a serious discussion, I said 'not all women are alone because they want to be independent. Sometimes things just happen and people are forced to start new lives'.

'I suppose so', he said. He added 'I just think it's sad'. He finished the install, and headed on his way.

Had this discussion happened a year ago, I surely would have been reduced to tears. Not last night. The reality is that not all single women and men are sad. Not all are lonely. In fact, I would say I'm less lonely today than I've ever been. There are times in fact when I 'go off the grid' just to get a breather.

Starting a new life IS hard, HOWEVER it's infinitely better than being in a rut. I once read the only difference between a rut and a grave is the measurements.

I understand why this very pleasant man might have thought I, and other single ladies would be 'sad'. Perhaps he had a lovely wife he was going home to last night and he couldn't imagine life without her.

Yes, I am sad sometimes. Please note though, I was sad at times even when I was married. Sadness and loneliness are not the exclusive feelings of single people.

What elevates me each and every day is gratitude and contentment. I don't know what the future holds. No one does. I just know that 'today' I'm grateful for everyone and everything in my life.....AND that if this is as good as it gets, I'm a very blessed woman.