I Give Thanks

Ever since I heard Oprah, yes that one, say that the more you count your blessings, the more blessings there is to count. Or something to that effect. The fact is I was a whiner. I can be heard saying WHY NOT ME over and over. Or woe is me I don't have it, I can't get it. I was more focused in what I don't have than what I have. After hearing Oprah's advise, I started to realize and recognize all the blessings I have. And that made me happy. The things I didn't possess have magically became not as important to me. You really cannot tell when a life-changing experience will happen. I did not watch Oprah regularly because I was at work, so it's really meant to be that I was within earshot when she said that on her show.

Anyway, because of this I now appreciate the value of small things, of everyday miracles, of the smile from a stranger, etc. You know what I mean. I think it's part of maturity, although my maturity is a bit delayed in coming I think.

A month or so ago I was taking a walk with a friend skirting the edges of Lake Tahoe. A breeze blew and yellow leaves danced on their way to the ground from their precarious perch up in tree and in the same moment, a ray of sun came through the leaves and warmed us. I realized the moment was special. Then my friend said she recently became aware of the changes in her. Little things like this walk by the water with the wonderful breeze and autumn leaves shimmying on the way to the ground and the clear blue skies above, these are the things that make her happy now. She said the change caught her off guard. She was not aware when the change happened, but this walk, this was what makes her happy now.

I thought I'd share this very personal talk I had with a friend in this post about thanksgiving.


I give thanks to my cats Emma and Buster who takes care of me when I am sick. Here I don't even have to twist their paws to help me sleep off some fever.


I give thanks to incredible experience.


I give thanks to beautiful surprises when I look down.


I give thanks to quiet spot in a busy city.


I give thanks for the childlike pleasures of a fireworks display.


I give thanks for reconnecting with cousins.


I give thanks to friends that become family.

There is no way that I'd be able to list all that I'm thankful for this year and through the years. But I can safely say that blogging is one of the things I'm always thankful for. It has given me so much pleasure sharing my travels and more pleasure hearing from you. I learn so much from you when I visit your blogs. Thank you for all the inspiration through the year.

MY WORLD TUESDAY