Thankful

In the words of singer/musician Johnny Lang, "I've gotta take the time to say that I'm thankful...thankful for every single breath that I take."

That's how I feel this evening as I recollect the events of this day with family and friends. With so much to be grateful for, I am reminded of an email conversation I had many years ago with a sweet friend whom I don't get to see anymore.   We spent the better part of a week writing our "list" and adding to it with each subsequent email.  It consisted of the things that made us smile, made us think, made us scratch our head in wonder and curiosity, made us sigh, made us feel safe, made us define our goals and made us recognize that everywhere we looked, there was something to be grateful for.  The positive effects of that experience still make me smile to realize the bountiful life that I live.

This evening I had planned on writing a profound essay on "the attitude of gratitude" and the importance of being thankful for our gifts, but I've changed my mind.  Instead, I think it's time to make another "list".  Please join me, if you'd like.  Perhaps between the two of us, we can come up with so many things that we are grateful for, and in that we can see the reality of a life that is so rich and full of bounty.

So, here goes..."Bliss' (Thankful) List"

my grandparents, puppies, breathing, smiles, dreams, kisses, friends, mashed potatoes, sunsets off the coast of Southern California, sunsets off any coast, my mama, saying "I love you", hearing "I love you, naps, my yoga practice, feeling the shift from night to dawn, Yatzee, playing Bannanagrams with my mom, taking a leaf shower, wood-fired saunas and cold plunges, my bestest girlfriend in the whole wide Universe, sisters and brothers, being daddy's little girl, my dad, road trips, hiking, gardenias, palm trees, waterfalls, chanting, singing at the top of my lungs, karoke, playing the piano, learning to play guitar, snow-capped mountains, river walking, bananas...and their trees, seeing the Southern Cross in the southern hemisphere, star gazing, faith, tenacity, freshly mowed grass, planting a fower garden, harvesting a vegetable garden, carving pumpkins, reading good books, making lists, feeling safe, happiness, family reunions, making music in the studio, my fuzzy powder blue bathrobe and comfy pajamas, bicycling, feeling loved, sunbathing, the Emerald Coast, babies, laughter, trust, photography, symphonys and musicals, concerts, my mini guitar, drumming on my djembe, traveling, Cuba and her beautiful people, my first love, my current love, good food to feed my body and soul, wisdom to guide me, love to sweeten my life, my list...

So, that's my list for now.  It's a work in progress.  As a matter of fact, since last June, I make a list of five things that I am grateful for each day.  I haven't missed a day, and I have to say that I think it has made my life so much sweeter, not to mention, it's made me more considerate of...life.  My mind can see the beautiful world around me even if it looks a little tarnished at times.  It's a much better world living in gratitude.  I can attest.

Ok, it's your turn.  Your mission, if you choose to take it, start your "list".  What are you thankful for? 

Oh yeah...Happy Thanksgiving!