Building Gratitude

Gratitude is not an attitude. Gratitude is something that flows out of you when you are overwhelmed by the recognition of what you have received. Sadhguru

Gratitude is easy and it is free. We are surrounded by things for which we can be grateful. How often do we take time to acknowledge the gifts?

This past week I had to purchase a new bed frame.  The seventeen-year-old one finally gave up.  I headed back to IKEA where the first one was purchased. I had researched a bit online as I am always on the hunt for the bargain, the fabulous find.  I needed one that still used box springs which I know is kicking it old school, but I love the bed.  IKEA seemed to be the best and closest option. 

I walked in and the first bed I saw is the one I had researched, and it was on sale for$150 less than the online price. An IKEA associate appeared seemingly out of nowhere and asked if they might help.  I inquired about the bed and its ability to have box springs; it all checked out.  I was informed that only the dark gray was on sale then was asked if that is what I wanted.  You bet if it is $150 cheaper! Then I decided to splash out and have it delivered (I have schlepped far too many IKEA boxes in this lifetime). Would I like to have TaskRabbit come assemble it as well. Again, I have built far too many IKEA creations and was not looking forward to another. Within moments my order was printed out and now all I needed to do was find my way out of the store, pay and get in my car. 

The delivery was the next day and was only to my door, not inside as that was twice as expensive.  Rudest delivery men on the planet. When I inquired if they could put it by the side door I was told, “It’s already on the sidewalk, tough luck lady.” Happily, a friend came and helped me carry it inside.

After that experience, I figured I better have the old bed disassembled and the room ready for the build on Tuesday. Again, I called upon another two friends who came and the three of us were able to deconstruct the bed and get it out to the garbage area in an hour.  Then I lucked out and was able to get the wood cut up into smaller pieces for disposal.

The assembler arrived on time and was a delight.  I asked if he could attach my existing headboard to the new bed. He looked at the boxes and said, “You’re not using the headboard it came with?” I had not purchased a headboard. That was when we found out that the charming delivery service had left a white full size bed frame rather than a dark grey king.

Before my mind could even begin the process of how to fix this, my assembler said, “I can take it back to IKEA for you and get what you want.” WHAT!!

Thus began my five hours with D’Angelo as we drove and talked and exchanged the bed and drove and talked and then unloaded so the build could finally begin. Never once in five hours was he frustrated or upset or rude or unkind. The opposite. We laughed, had philosophical and spiritual conversations and connected. He attached my headboard. Helped me put the bed into the frame and left me with a smile. When I handed him a tip, he was surprised and said there was no need. He had been happy to help.  I pointed out it would get him closer to being able to afford the piece of equipment he wanted for his music business. His eyes teared up and he smiled and said he was grateful we met.

He had been surprised when we first realized the mistake that I was not upset or angry. I told him I had the same take on his demeanor.  The option of saying “tough luck lady” had never occurred to him. We talked about gratitude and a belief in the good in the world as we hurtled towards IKEA.

As I climbed into my lovely new bed and began my nightly gratitude list, D’Angelo was on it but so were the delivery guys. Without their behavior against which to juxtapose D’Angelo’s it might not have been as profound. Also, had they delivered the right bed I would not have had all that time to spend with another delightful human. I find being grateful for all the things that happen whether we label them good/bad or happy/sad makes life a bit easier.

I am grateful to all of you for reading.  Oh, IKEA did refund the delivery and gave me a free food item at their food court. I have six months to decide which thing to pick. More gratitude on the way.