Happy Thanksgiving! And Thank You.

Thank you, Readers!

Thank you for reading. For listening. If listening is an act of love, then you all save me from being alone and simply screaming into the void when I think out loud.

Thank you for your comments, for understanding, for thoughtful questions and new ideas. Thank you for friendly engagement. Thank you for silence instead of unkindness when my words don’t resonate.

Other things I’m Thankful for… (this part is mostly for me)

Ross. My endlessly patient, supportive, cultivated (and cute) husband… for a million things including gently nudging me to grow, indulging my curiosity and making my growing bucket list come true.

My kids. (They won’t want to be dragged into this by name). They’re miracles. The greatest adventure. And so beautiful that they’re a boost to my own self esteem. They also provide so many reflections that it’s like having disco balls of truth and opportunities to grow sparkling all around me. Growing up with these humans is intense and magical.

Babies. They are magic. They just are.

Des and Milo. Our grumpy and adorable miniature poodle and wild and scrappy Alaskan klee kai that keep us on our toes and constantly remind me how good it feels to be greeted with unconditional love and enthusiasm.

Animals. Trees. Sunshine. Nature…. and the connectivity that comes with these things. There is no substitute.

Our New Home! I’m not much of a materialist, but this big old impractical house with its chandeliers, high ceilings and fancy molding feels like both a castle and a playground for a family who grew up together in an apartment about our acupuncture clinic. Grateful that my children, indulging their own curiosity, stumbled upon an open house and found us a place to plant seeds for new dreams. I love waking up here.

Time with My Family and Friends. This is perhaps the most profound gratitude I feel lately. I have been able to enjoy holidays and gatherings with my friends and family the whole way through. We found a way to be together… listen to each other…troubleshoot fear and differences… address concerns… respect different perspectives and choices… support each other through those choices… change our minds. So far we have made room for time and space together. I was never deprived of time with my brother, sisters, nephews and niece. My dad and stepmom always welcomed us. My in-laws never stopped visiting. I know not everyone has enjoyed this and I’ve witnessed the suffering it has caused. So I know how precious of a gift this is and I will never take it for granted again.

(Laughing because it turns out we don’t have to receive an Oscar to be grateful… anyone can do this at any time… I didn’t mean to write a speech, but indulging in this kind of gratitude feels really good and I just remembered how lucky I am.)

There’s so much more, but I want to go be with my people and soak in the good things all around today.

Happy Thanksgiving! Sending you love and gratitude!