Counting My Blessings

Many of my friends on Facebook have been posting something they're thankful for every day of this month. I was too slack to do that, but the truth is I have an incredible amount to be thankful for this year, so I would derelict if I did not take a moment to count my blessings.

This year, I am deeply thankful for:

• A strong, able body, which I have for the first time in several years.
• My wonderful friends--the older I get, the more I appreciate them, and understand how blessed I am to have truly good friends.
• My family. I may not get to see them often, but special days like today bring back many memories, even when I'm not there to share them with my family.
• My nephew and niece. Okay, I know that falls under family, but they are too adorable not to list separately.
• My dogs, who make me smile everyday and love me unconditionally.
• Long, hot baths, which I've come to be a big fan of since my back surgery.
• Speaking of my surgery, I am thankful for the skilled surgeon and the caring nurses who are responsible for giving me a strong, able body again.
• A comfortable home in a safe neighborhood, with a yard where the dogs can play.
• Warm, sunny fall days.
• Confidence in who I am and what I believe.

There are many, many other things I could list here, but some of them are either deeply personal, or too difficult to put into words, so the above will have to suffice. Let me wrap up by saying, though, that this has been a transformative year for me. I am happy and fulfilled, and that is a lot for which to be thankful.