A fellow blogger asked us to join him in making a gratitude list. I used to do this often. Now, I think of things I am grateful for, but keep them in my head. There is something about writing them down in black and white that gives them more power for me. Join us, won’t you – make a list and share it with the world!!!

I am grateful:

- for being able to finally catch up on my blog-readings for the first time this summer
- to have found such inspiring blogs to read
- for hope
- for open-mindedness and willingness
- for the however-wavering-ability to learn new things about myself and others if I am honest
- for the new-found ability to live in the moment and not judge experiences as good or bad but just experience “what is.”
- for my awesome, awesome psychiatrist and equally awesome counselor
- for my recovery from alcoholism
- for my relationship with God
- for my husband and children
- for my friends
- for nature
- for art
- for the ability to read, write, walk, talk, see, hear, eat, feel, and breathe (I have to remember that not everyone can do these things – that’s why there are wheelchairs, feeding tubes, ventilators, etc.)
- for pain (without which I would not know comfort)
- for sorrow (without which I would not know happiness)
- for anxiety (without which I would not know peace)
- for the emerging ability to access a timeless, spaceless state of being where the mind has no power and therefore, cannot disrupt serenity.
- for access to a wealth of knowledge and people with whom I can connect instantly via the internet
- for freedom of speech and religion (I have to remember that communism still exists in this world.)
- for the stars, the rain clouds, the breeze, the sun, the soil, trees, flowers, bugs (well maybe not the bugs, especially wasps – they really freak me out, and what purpose to they serve? Seriously, does anyone know???)
- for a sense of humor
- for my country

Happy 4th of July to all my state-side friends!

photo source