An attitude of gratitude

Being Thanksgiving and all, it seemed like a good time to review all of my blessings and things to be grateful for. I'm trying to be more aware of gratitude all year long, but today is the KING of gratitude holidays so here goes.

1. My mother. It was a year ago right after Thanksgiving that things started to get weird and we really thought we were going to lose her. This year and any time we get with her is a gift. It is by no means easy caring for an aging parent but I can only barely imagine what it's like to be the one ageing. I guess if we're lucky -- or not, depending on how you look at it -- we will all find out. I love you mom.

2. My sisters. I know no other way than to have sisters. It is not always easy but they are always there. Together we have faced the world each in our own HUGELY different ways. but also oddly together. Taking care of mom takes a village.  I am so grateful she planned well and provided us the tools to manage her care.  As hard as it is now, I can't even think of what its like with no resources.

3. My family. They make me laugh, make me scratch my head. They make me feel young and make me feel old. I used to dream of a "Leave it to Beaver" type family. Nah, they don't hold a candle to these folks!

4. My ability to change careers yet again and return to school. These two years (okay, only 1 1/2 at this minute) have been everything I wanted them to be and SO MUCH MORE!! What a journey of introspection and learning. There by the grace of god... is all I can say. From inpatient psychiatric unit last year to outpatient psychotherapy in north Philadelphia this year. It makes me grateful for my life every day.

5. My friends who hang in with me even if I only see them once a year or call when I come up for air or only visit by Facebook. I forget to return emails or text at odd hours. You know who you are and how important you are to my life.

6. My little tiny house which smelled so good this morning when I woke up.  It smelled like family and home and good food. And the backyard which is what drew me here in the first place. My landlord recently told me he had never spent as much time sitting in the yard as long as we did the day I came to look at the apartment. Clearly, I ave to work on that poker face.

7. Sleeping in. Right now it doesn't happen very often. Sleeping until 8 am this morning was a luxury, I know that someday I will get the chance to sleep in on weekends again even if that's just until 8.

8. Good coffee.

9. Good people. I am convinced there are far more good people in this world than not. We have to speak up, speak out and make a difference. Really. It matters. It's an old bumper sticker but as necessary today as ever. Practice Random Acts of Kindness. A smile to a stranger, holding open a door, letting someone in traffic. Buying a cup of coffee for the person behind you. A buck to a homeless person. It all helps. Seriously.

10. All that I have and didn't do a thing to get it. And understanding that.

Much love to all for this Thanksgiving and every day.

Hannah