The Little Things N’at

By Heidi Balas

There’s a French proverb that I’ve always loved, “Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” And even before I discovered it on a greeting card sometime in my early twenties, I had already deeply recognized the importance of reflecting every day on the little things for which I was grateful.

It all started while working at a summer camp, where we were challenged to jot down a few items for which we were thankful in what was called a “gratitude journal” at the end of every day. Granted, this was the late 1990s and if memory serves me correctly, I believe a certain daytime talk show host had made these journals quite the thing to do.

We were given notebooks, and I was up to the task. Truth be told, I love a fresh notebook and I love writing. For the remaining eight weeks of that summer employment adventure, I wrote down at least five things that were important to me every day whether it was experiencing an act of kindness, enjoying a delicious dessert, getting a letter in the mail, hearing a great song, or even watching an amazing sunset.

It all started while working at a summer camp, where we were challenged to jot down a few items for which we were thankful in what was called a “gratitude journal” at the end of every day

way as I explored the depths of my gratitude. Primarily, I learned that even on what felt like the worst of days, there was always something that could inspire gratitude. Not all of my lists were comprised of sunshine and roses. Sometimes I was grateful for not fighting with a boyfriend or for having $10 in my bank account instead $5. I also learned that more often than not, I was going to have days when I was thankful for more little things than I was for big things, simply because the big things didn’t happen quite as often.

Over time (two decades, but who’s counting?), I have gotten away from that style of private journaling and more so into personal blogging. I frequently write about what revs my engine and when thinking about what I wanted to share with yinz in this issue of LOCALpgh, I realized that it was the perfect opportunity to express what will always be in the memory of my heart about the place that I have called home for the majority of my life.

With this in mind, I am sharing some of what causes me to pause and smile with you. Thus, here are the little things n’at that fill my Pittsburgh Gratitude Journal (in no particular order whatsoever):

I am grateful for:

…the scenic views and topography that never cease to amaze me.

…Kennywood Park and its ability to make me feel young and old simultaneously.

…bright pops of color on a dreary Pittsburgh day, like the Ellsworth Avenue rainbow intersection or the Horne’s Christmas Tree.

…when I cannot decide where to eat because there are so many delicious options on our culinary scene.

…our ability to turn a Port Authority bus and a sinkhole into the pure comedy.

…the pet-friendly places that welcome our furry friends.

…folks who appreciate the magnificence of our many businesses that reside in buildings that used to be a Pizza Hut.

…breathtaking architecture like Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob, the Cathedral of Learning, the Benedum Center, and Mellon Hall at Duquesne University (to name a few).

…church pirohi (the traditional Carpatho-Rusyn spelling in my family) and fish fry Fridays. …when someone gives me a solid assist on the “Pittsburgh left.”

…folks who still refer to places by their former identities like Star Lake Amphitheater, Kaufmann’s, and the Forbes Quad.

…Mikey and Big Bob, who always make me laugh out loud awkwardly alone in my car.

…seeing a locally produced show in the Cultural District.

…getting amazing goods at a local festival or farmer’s market.

…people who don’t brake going into the tunnels.

…Dave and Andy’s, Millie’s, Del’s, and all of the ice cream shops.

…the local businesses who provide such a positive vibe when I walk in the door.

…fall foliage. …folks who take the time to reminisce with me about the glory days of Century III Mall, the toy section and snack bar of Hill’s Department Store, the Civic Arena, and any other bygone landmark.

…epic cookie tables with to-go containers at weddings.

…those times when I find a parking spot in Oakland painlessly.

…Pittsburgh Winery for making my favorite white wine of all time.

…fireworks!

I leave yinz with this thought: No matter the season and no matter the reason, try taking a moment to reflect on your day to find a few bright spots. Pittsburgh is dreary for about 2/3 of the year, but your day doesn’t have to be like our weather. The little things n’at about Pittsburgh can add up to something big. And, your heart will remember… I promise.

Heidi Balas is a regular contributor for LOCALpittsburgh, and brings her own brand of perspectives to Pittsburgh at www.thesteeltrap.net.