I Give Thanks

Similar to writing in your diary only when you're sad or there's something "big" to write about, I feel like I have been posting more heavy or "therapeutic" stuff as of late. In efforts to remedy that and give credit to the other parts of life where it's due, I want to focus a post on things that keep me a float and put a smile on my face. Because truthfully, if it weren't for these things filling in the in between tough moments and days, I wouldn't be where I was today.

I profusely give thanks to books.  They are a quiet companion that can change based on what I need and sometimes offer something I didn't even know I needed.  With a book (or two, or three) always tucked away in my room, car, or purse, I am never alone. Long lines, solo coffee dates, and waiting rooms don't phase me because I can sneak in time to read. Books have been my long-time escape since childhood and there's nothing like having time fly by because you are deeply absorbed in the story. Even better is the glory of walking into a bookstore and walking slowly, neck craned, to discover your next great read. You'll often find me plopped down on the floor so I can take my time browsing the lower shelves and flipping through books ( I do judge by the cover). 

I give thanks to the afternoons I "wasted," making a delicious lunch, surfing the internet, writing posts, reading, drinking coffee, chatting with friends, and enjoying the sunshine. Every now and then I ditch being responsible (perks of unemployment) and let myself have a guilt free morning or afternoon not being "work" productive. And just go with whatever it is I feel like doing. It's a true luxury that I know won't last!

I give thanks to laughter. I give thanks to having a life where every day, no matter what, I have laughed. Even when I am alone and have not interacted with people, I can picture something or recall a joke (or a scene from television) and laugh, to myself. The people in my life that know how to make me laugh even when I am in the edge of tears are truly special to me. The ones that make start giggling wildly or give me that deep belly life are ones that I never want to lose. Laughing makes me feel alive and well, pure and simple.

I give thanks to people. All of you. Friends, siblings, family, strangers, bloggers, travelers, children, neighbors, and community. Every one of you has shaped me. When it comes down to it (and as independent as I try to be) I am not who I am because of my own doing. You are my reflection, my support, my sounding board, and my people. 

I give thanks to coffee, mint tea, text messaging, skype, iTunes, the soundtrack to my life, movies, tv marathons, water, hot showers, floral prints, warm bear hugs, the smile when someone is happy to see you, the smile when you're happy to see someone, grey, cookie scented candles, fresh baked cookies, blogging, unconditional love, trees, the perfect ink pen, sisters, green grass, smells that transport you to far away memories, down comforters, bookshelves, cooking, the love that infuses all of these things and what makes all this possible.