Fall into Gratitude

       Autumn has long been my favorite season.  The colors and crisp air invigorate.  Recent morning runs through the woods take me over an endless carpet of reds, oranges, yellows and browns – through trees in various states of undress.  On this morning’s jog, a young deer kept right on nibbling, 15 feet away as Joanie and I stopped - motionless, watching.

       During these times in nature, the inner hamster settles down.  I remember gratitude.

       And, later, I remember the psychological research that connects gratitude and happiness.