Gratitude

Ah, November. The leaves change from colorful to brown and crunchy, the air from cool to biting. We Scorpios celebrate our birthdays. There's an odd mix of Halloween leftovers and Christmas early birds all around. College football gets serious--OSU vs Michigan, anyone? And we spend the month reflecting on gratitude.

I like the idea of taking all of November listing the many things for which I am thankful--I even got into the spirit on Facebook, which takes some commitment (if you're me). Being the type who is constantly striving to do more and do it better, there is a lot of value in my reflecting on the good things all around me. I've spent a lot of time examining deficits in hopes of improvement, but that's only valuable when you can enjoy the good things as they are. Professionally, social workers try to be strengths-based--the theory being that we grow more when we focus on our strengths rather than our problems. I could use more of that in my daily life--even in this blog, really. I have been blessed with far more rainbows than thunderstorms in my world. So, again, with the lists . . . and since it's my 33rd year, 33 is the magic number. 

Here are 33 Things I am Thankful for in my 33rd Year.

1. I'm still here. Growing older is a privilege.

2. My husband, a genuinely good man.

3. My cuddlebug whirlwind of a little boy.

4. My parents, my home base my whole life long, and such wonderful grandparents.

5. My husband's parents, endlessly supportive and head-over-heels for their grandbabies.

6. My boy's uncles and aunts, and dear friends who have stepped in as aunts and uncles.

7. Growing up with the best little brother ever.

8. My grandparents. They are treasures.

9. Cousins--all of them! My nieces and nephews and all cajillion of my cousins. There's never a dull moment at those family events. We may not see each other as often as we'd like, but we've got each other's backs. Cousins are friends for life.

10. All of our friends, some of whom have been in with us for the long haul. I have been blessed with some amazing people . . . from kindergarten to college to career friends. It's humbling. Thank you.

11. Our home. It's safe and warm.

12. Our ridiculous cats, who have rather nicely stood up to their demotion over the last year.

13. Reliable transportation.

14. Clean water (relatively).

15. Nutritious food and the time to acquire it and prepare it.

16. Reliable income that is both accommodating of our family needs and satisfying.

17. The challenges of my new position, helping me grow personally and professionally.

18. My mind. 

19. My education, and all of the teachers and mentors who have supported me along the way.

20. The people I have worked with over the years--coworkers and clients alike--who have shared personal successes and challenges for the sake of all of our growth.

21. Laughter. 

22. Music.

23. Second chances.

24. The chance to be a mom.

25. Sleep.

26. Yoga.

27. Helen Carrie at Focus Therapeutic Massage. Seriously, people.

28. Our sweet friends at Sovietsk Orphanage in Kirov, Russia. I miss them to bits. I am thankful to know the, to be a part of their lives, and for their understanding that our little guy just isn't ready for the 24 hour jaunt on planes, trains, and automobiles.

29. Freedom.

30. Our good health.

31. The luxury of self-reflection.

32. Tea and books.

33. Grace.

No matter how you spend your Thanksgiving, I hope your heart finds some solace in the rainbows in your world. Happy Thanksgiving.