It’s snowing, my son is sick and I’m wiping up snot like a champion. Just what I wanted for my birthday.
Instead of wallowing in self-pity and hitting the bottle early or eating an entire box of Thin Mints, I thought I would make myself feel better about the circumstances of this day by sharing a little bit about what I’m grateful for.
In addition to the squid shot, that is. You’re welcome.
Expressing gratitude is a sure-fire way to feel happier. Science backs me up on this one.
So since it’s my birthday, I’m going to say nice things about myself if I want to. And maybe drink some of my son’s cough syrup.
Thirty things I’m thankful for:
- my family
- my health
- indoor plumbing
- my home
- my friends
- my physical strength
- the mountains
- fresh coffee
- my legs
- my education
- my mentors
- my bravery
- my sense of humor
- libraries
- the sunrise
- my loud laugh
- my firm handshake
- my bicycle
- my travels
- my hard times
- my height
- homecooked meals
- my upbringing
- snuggling
- massages
- cold beer
- my stage training
- my kitchen training
- my emotional strength
- chocolate
Add to that list a few of the things I learned over the past year…
- You should leave the kid with grandparents.
- Unless hot springs are involved.
- You can still run faster…
- …lift heavier…
- …and read more.
- It’s okay to take your time…
- and even better to get your hands dirty.
And there you have it.
Rock on my mid-to-late 30s, rock on.
