I am thankful

Every day I give thanks for the many blessings in my life. There are so many that I can't list them all, but I thought I would at least try to list some of them (not necessarily in any particular order).

(1) My husband, who is also my best friend. He not only loves me unconditionally, he makes me laugh and I love hanging out with him. Although he may think I'm crazy sometimes, he lets me be me. I could not ask for more in a life partner.

(2) My Family: My parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, in-laws, step-siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins. I am blessed to have a large and loving family. I am thankful all of our parents are still living and healthy. I'm grateful for my relatives who are passed that still watch over me from spirit.

(3) My cats (my children): Stubby, Snoop and Roscoe give me an amazing amount of joy and unconditional love. Each of them is so special and unique. I am also grateful for our extended cat family of outside cats who chose us: Spare, Bobbi, Junior and Rascal. I miss Hoppy but am glad he came to stay with us for awhile.

(4) Friends: I am so grateful for the wonderful friends I have in "real life" and here in cyberspace. My Girlies are my other sisters and I'm thankful to have a day set aside every week to commune with them. And there are people online I have a have a deep connection with that I've never even met.

(5) My new job: I have wanted a federal job for so long, and not only did I get that, but I got one that is interesting and where I can learn so many new things, and I like the people I work with. And I love the federal holidays!! I am also thankful that it gives me the opportunity to help people and to practice compassion.

(6) My home: I love our little piece of land (I typed "peace" first, freudian slip!) and its trees and flowers and birds and deer and possums and the cats that came along with the neighborhood. We're close to the city but far enough away for it to be peaceful. I love having a little space around us and hope someday we can have even more.

(7) The internet: what did we do before the internet?? I am thankful for having information at my fingertips. I am especially thankful for the ability to connect with people all over the world, people I never would have met otherwise. I am also grateful to use the internet to keep up with "real life" friends and family.

(8) Health: so often we take our health for granted until something shocks us into realizing we are not immortal. I am thankful for my husband's heart problems that started our year out, because it woke us up and helped set us on a path to better health. We are both healthier now than we were a year ago. I am grateful for all of the resources that have helped us learn and make better choices.

(9) Spiritual growth: the past few years have been a period of intense spiritual growth for me. I am grateful for the opportunities I've had to learn new things and meet new people that can help me on my path.

(10) Nature: Nothing feeds my spirit more than being in nature. I'm grateful there is so much natural beauty nearby. And I am so thankful for my trees, flowers and backyard wildlife.

(11) Machines, Appliances and Gadgets that make my life easier and more fun like my CRV, ipod, DVR, camera, new bed, dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, PDA, cell phone, answering machine, tv, radio, computer, new printer, microwave, toaster oven, stove, refrigerator, freezer, heat pump, air conditioner, etc.

(12) I am also thankful for vacations, books, Mexican food, Oprah, medication and herbal remedies, comfortable clothes, pizza, Louise Hay, time alone, reiki, art, music, sunshine, jacuzzis, cabins, rocks, trees, crows, fresh fruit and vegetables, eyeglasses, roses, wildflowers, zoos and wildlife centers, state parks, national forests, comedy, chiropractors, swimming pools, board games, ice cream, family gatherings, and many more.