Gratitude
Every night before bed, my children and I go through a list of things, people or events of the day for which we are grateful. No matter how stressed (or how uneventful) a day may have been, it seems we can always find things to be grateful for. It’s often said that our outward experiences are a reflection of our inner states of mind, and that in acknowledging and focusing on our blessings, we draw more good to us. So, in honor of Thanksgiving this week, I’m pausing to count just a few of my blessings a bit more publically. I have so much to be grateful for, and I know I’ll think of dozens more things as soon as this post is published, but here’s a partial list:
I am grateful for…
- A beautiful family that loves and supports me and each other, including a husband who is a superb Dad – and cook! – thereby allowing me to spend so much of my time doing what I love.
- The good health that makes it possible to live fully and maintain such a lively schedule of activities, both professional and personal.
- Work that is stimulating, challenging, satisfying and contributive – and that stretches me in new ways all the time.
- The opportunity to work from home, so as to be where I love to be, doing what I love to do, surrounded by those I love most.
- My home itself, which, though not always as organized as I might wish, is a vibrant reflection of our family’s joy-filled, creative life.
- Living in a village that is beautiful, historic, rural, sophisticated, eccentric, culturally rich and community-minded – with proximity to the ocean, access to all four seasons, and populated by an endless stream of fascinating characters.
- The ability to see creative ideas everywhere, and to mostly maintain a perspective of opportunity rather than problem or even crisis.
- The families who read and enjoy our books, and that express that enjoyment to us either directly or by buying more books.
- The technology that makes my work faster, easier, more enjoyable and more productive.
- Good friends who bring warmth, laughter and insight into our lives and days.
What are you grateful for this week?
