Though the last year has been trying, I’d be remiss if I didn’t take this statutorily-obligated time and recognize those things for which I’m thankful this year. And let’s be honest, for all the complaining I do, there are many things for which I should be grateful.
Like the sound of a happy tail on a hard surface.
Like the purr of a cat in bliss.
Like the laughter of a husband amused with my antics.
Like the conversation with a good friend…or two…or three…or more.
Like the neverending support of family.
Like the feeling of a full belly.
Like the joy of a good laugh.
Like the knowledge of good love, good wine and good times.
But thanksgiving is incomplete unless we recognize that we want something more than what we have. Life is a struggle of moving forward and learning to be happy. And if there’s anything this past year has taught me, it’s that happiness is earned one battle wound at a time. So there are things I’d like to be thankful for next year.
Like the pitter patter of little paws that clean up after themselves or at least don’t make as big of a mess.
Like the constant organization of a home now in a state of disarray.
Like the ability to complete a new skill.
Like being almost halfway done through a master’s degree.
Like having a husband who continues to let me laugh at his antics.
Like having friends that I get to see more regularly.
Like having a family with a little more luck.
Like the feeling of a full career.
Like the knowledge of an impending or completed publishing deal.
Like the joy of a good cry…a good cry.
Like the experience of continuing to have numerous good times with good people.
And that my friends, is the story of a life in constant motion. There are always things to be thankful for, but there’s always a bit more wanting to be had. If I were to stop wanting, I’d stop growing. And I definitely don’t want that.
So this Thanksgiving I’ll give thanks for all I have, all I’ve had and all I’ll get in the future. But I’ll also keep my desires in tact and my drive in line. I’ll keep my wishes on stars, my prayers and my solitary thoughts of the future. I’ll keep it all, because trying to be happy is a full time job..and the pay isn’t great.
But the benefits can be so damn rewarding if we let them in.
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Such a good list of things to be thankful for… I would have many of the same on my own list… and I think that knowing what you want to be thankful for is half the battle! Happy Thanksgiving!
I love that idea – things you WANT to be thankful for!
Never thought of it that way! I like that. I hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving! <3
A very meditative post…
That’s a pretty good list you have going there
Happy Thanksgiving!
Well, let me add that I (and all the rest of us, I’m sure) am thankful for the time you take to write every day here on the ol’ blog. I enjoy what you have to say!
Hope you have a fabulous Thanksgiving weekend!
I love good cries… they are the best!
I love your list. It’s so simple, but it hits it all right on the nose.
Great list. Happy thanksgiving!
Nice. I’m happy this thanksgiving for my loving wife, my great kids, and for being in a terrific country…the six cats we have, well, the jury is still out on that one.
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