Being Grateful

Posted on November 22nd, 2017

There is so much for which I am overwhelmingly, profoundly grateful. The unconditional love of my family. The support of my friends. The partnership of my husband. My education, my job, my home. They are amazing constants in my life, a beautiful baseline I appreciate more with each passing day. Truthfully, their magnitude is hard to write about—it is something I feel, but due in large part to my limited skills as a writer have trouble expressing.

So in the season of giving thanks, I took a pass at a different exercise. I thought about the everyday joys, the little moments and feelings and everyday objects that make life feel that much more meaningful, or even just ore fun. If you’re looking for a way to feel really fantastic this weekend between leftovers, online shopping, trips to the mall, I highly suggest it.

I took this picture at the shore near our house on Saturday. At sunrise, we were 10 miles into an 18 mile run. The beauty of the moment left me speechless!

1. When the first wave of caffeine washes over you
2. The smell of sunscreen
3. Weeknight football (and weekend football!)
4. Public transit
5. Cashmere
6. Notes from friends who see something and are reminded of you
7. Noise cancelling headphones
8. Fireworks
9. Fat free feta
10. Plaid season
11. Instagram communities
12. The comfort of routine
13. Lululemon leggings
14. Mothers who always answer the phone
15. Amazon Prime
16. The institution of marriage
17. Free Drink Days at Starbucks
18. The timelessness of blue and white
19. Bundled-up winter walks
20. Popcorn
21. Direct flights to your hometown
22. Long runs in 45 degree weather
23. The power and truth of numbers
24. Group text threads
25. Pandora’s Christmas music
26. The warm hug of a beautifully merchandised shop
27. Weekends with no plans
28. Support and generosity from unexpected places
29. Going places without looking up directions
30. Friendly cashiers, baristas, servers, etc.
31. Longer battery life
32. Working remotely
33. When you adore your friend’s significant others
34. Creative people sharing content
35. Commuting shoes
36. Being a restaurant regular
37. Complex harmonies
38. Child’s pose at the end of a barre class
39. Self-awareness
40. Getting to sit next to your spouse on the train
41. The charm of old homes
42. Feminism
43. Husbands who laugh at your jokes
44. Children’s laughter, sincerity, and wonderment
45. Wordplay
46. The burning smell immediately after you light a candle
47. Therapists
48. Sharing memories with the ones with whom you lived them
49. Christmas lights
50. Snagging the perfect reservation

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!