What are you grateful for?

Gratefulness used to feel so abstract, but as I get older, I'm more in touch with it.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

I find that with each passing day, I become much more tuned in to the things around me; hyperaware of how the air feels against my skin, sensitive to the signals my body is giving off, and more in touch with my emotions and the emotions of those around me.

Feeling grateful used to be something that I brushed off, and maybe even took for granted, but as I get older, I feel grateful most for that. The privilege of aging is something not granted to everyone. Sadly, I have lost numerous friends throughout the years, and the ones lost to breast cancer were those closest to me and were the toughest deaths to bear.

Feeling grateful, and expressing that feeling, offers a real boost to our health, health, as it is shown to make us happier, more balanced, and more fulfilled.

I know it’s tough to stop and smell the roses, and sometimes those roses wither on the vine and lose their luster. We all know so many people who are going through hard times right now, not to mention the sad, sad state of the world. It’s enough to spiral the most resilient among us straight downward.

But let’s all pause and let our grateful feelings wash over us (and while we’re at it, let’s not forget to let people in your life know how grateful you are for them being in it.) I know my life is made better by having my husband, my children and their spouses, my grandchildren, my two siblings, and other family members part of it.

I’m also immensely grateful for old friends, with whom I share precious history, and new friendships that were formed unexpectedly and to my delight when I thought I was too old to forge new bonds.

And of course, I’m feeling grateful that you are reading this. I realize that opening emails like mine are strictly voluntary, and you made the conscious choice to read my words. My words come from a deep part of my soul, and so, I am grateful for having you here.

Lastly, I am grateful for dark chocolate, which is almost as important to me as writing, and coffee, which ranks close. Popcorn, the beach, rose wine and golden kiwis are up there, too (in no particular order). So are jeans with the right amount of stretch and comfy shoes that don’t pinch or leave blisters. I can’t ignore my down quilt in the winter and my ceiling fan in the heat, which helps me tolerate the new extremes and helps keep my mood steady. Finally, I’m always grateful when I wake early enough to witness a spectacular sunrise and in the right part of town to see the sun wrap up for the day.

I’d love to read about what you are grateful for; please feel free to share in the comments below. Big or small, it all counts!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!