Recently on her blog my sister discussed the book One Thousand Gifts and the personal challenge she has undertaken to find and record one thousand gifts, or things worth giving thanks for, in her life. She asked if anyone else wanted to join her and I said that I might.
This morning I was thinking about some of the wonderful things that appear in my life-- blips on the radar screen to some, but indicative of a life rich with meaning and love. So, yes. I will join in that challenge. It will probably be nowhere as intentional and consistent as others' recordings of their gifts, but that's fine. This is my personal journey, and I'll take it at my own pace.
1. My husband, who is the yin to my yang in so many, many ways. He's a steady rock that keeps me anchored, and he's a warm, tender carer for my many infirmities.
2. Yesterday a stranger looked at me in surprise and said, "You're a pretty girl!"
3. Warm morning sunlight to bask in. It is better than a warm bath to soothe away my aches and pains.
4. Juneaux and his consistent need for cuddles.
5. Juneaux's 6th sense for when I'm not feeling well (or worse than usual) emotionally or physically, and his remedy of cuddles.
6. Coraline. She's such a cute goof. Follows me everywhere, but not in a needy way. She follows discreetly, from a distance... unless I have oatmeal or lunch meat.
7. The flexibility of my job and how accommodating my boss is.
8. Working with abuse survivors like myself.
9. Medication.
10. The ability to afford said medication.
11. A house of my very own, with a yard and everything!!
12. A running vehicle that gives me little trouble, despite the minimal or nonexistent maintenance I give it..
13. Eyesight. Whether it be reading or watching movies to distract myself/for enjoyment, watching birds and clouds through the window, gazing upon my beloved's face, skimming Facebook, watching the kitties' antics, or just making my way to the bathroom, my eyesight gives me access to so much meaning and convenience. I remember what it's like to be blind, and it's terrifying. (Especially the prospect of not being able to read anymore.)
14. Safe food, and the fact that we can afford it.
15. The computer I'm typing on. I thought that I was going to have to go a long time without a laptop of my own, but not only am I getting an insane discount, it's a Mac. My favorite. And better than the Mac I had before, the one that died.
16. Health and safety of my loved ones.
17. My husband finding me attractive, despite weight gain.
18. Improved self-talk, finding myself attractive despite weight gain!
19. C filled up my gas tank the other day, all the way to full! I can't remember the last time my tank was full.
20. That I was able to afford Christmas presents for my family, however small they are.
21. I'll be home for Christmas ^_^ (Sorta.)
22. I'll be with my bestie J for the real Christmas. Haven't seen that woman in a year and a half.
23. J's family is paying for my plane ticket to come out and spend Christmas with them. They decided to do this because they know how hard driving is on me (and it's dangerous these days, what with the twitch attacks and almost passing out and all) and wanted to spare me that.
24. Now 100% detached from financial dependency on anyone other than my husband. Switching car insurances Friday was the last thing.
25. I saved (not quite) hundreds of dollars on car insurance by switching to Geico. No, really.
I have continually maintained that I have a great life. I really do. Certain aspects of it may get me down, but overall I'm livin' the dream. I would change very few things.
Stay tuned for more "gifts"... whenever they come along.
This morning I was thinking about some of the wonderful things that appear in my life-- blips on the radar screen to some, but indicative of a life rich with meaning and love. So, yes. I will join in that challenge. It will probably be nowhere as intentional and consistent as others' recordings of their gifts, but that's fine. This is my personal journey, and I'll take it at my own pace.
1. My husband, who is the yin to my yang in so many, many ways. He's a steady rock that keeps me anchored, and he's a warm, tender carer for my many infirmities.
2. Yesterday a stranger looked at me in surprise and said, "You're a pretty girl!"
3. Warm morning sunlight to bask in. It is better than a warm bath to soothe away my aches and pains.
4. Juneaux and his consistent need for cuddles.
5. Juneaux's 6th sense for when I'm not feeling well (or worse than usual) emotionally or physically, and his remedy of cuddles.
6. Coraline. She's such a cute goof. Follows me everywhere, but not in a needy way. She follows discreetly, from a distance... unless I have oatmeal or lunch meat.
7. The flexibility of my job and how accommodating my boss is.
8. Working with abuse survivors like myself.
9. Medication.
10. The ability to afford said medication.
11. A house of my very own, with a yard and everything!!
12. A running vehicle that gives me little trouble, despite the minimal or nonexistent maintenance I give it..
13. Eyesight. Whether it be reading or watching movies to distract myself/for enjoyment, watching birds and clouds through the window, gazing upon my beloved's face, skimming Facebook, watching the kitties' antics, or just making my way to the bathroom, my eyesight gives me access to so much meaning and convenience. I remember what it's like to be blind, and it's terrifying. (Especially the prospect of not being able to read anymore.)
14. Safe food, and the fact that we can afford it.
15. The computer I'm typing on. I thought that I was going to have to go a long time without a laptop of my own, but not only am I getting an insane discount, it's a Mac. My favorite. And better than the Mac I had before, the one that died.
16. Health and safety of my loved ones.
17. My husband finding me attractive, despite weight gain.
18. Improved self-talk, finding myself attractive despite weight gain!
19. C filled up my gas tank the other day, all the way to full! I can't remember the last time my tank was full.
20. That I was able to afford Christmas presents for my family, however small they are.
21. I'll be home for Christmas ^_^ (Sorta.)
22. I'll be with my bestie J for the real Christmas. Haven't seen that woman in a year and a half.
23. J's family is paying for my plane ticket to come out and spend Christmas with them. They decided to do this because they know how hard driving is on me (and it's dangerous these days, what with the twitch attacks and almost passing out and all) and wanted to spare me that.
24. Now 100% detached from financial dependency on anyone other than my husband. Switching car insurances Friday was the last thing.
25. I saved (not quite) hundreds of dollars on car insurance by switching to Geico. No, really.
I have continually maintained that I have a great life. I really do. Certain aspects of it may get me down, but overall I'm livin' the dream. I would change very few things.
Stay tuned for more "gifts"... whenever they come along.
Jolene | November 17, 2013 at 3:58 PM
Love it!! Sadly, I didn't take my little notebook that I write my gifts in with me to our couple's Retreat this past weekend, so I have a lot of catching up to do! :) Love so many of yours!