Count Your Blessings

It's a good idea from time to time—especially at times when we're sad, discouraged, or depressed—to take a moment, a pencil, and a sheet of paper, and write down every item for which you are grateful. You may draw a blank, at first. Here are a few to get the ball rolling:

• ten fingers
• working legs and feet
• good health
• breathing
• father
• mother
• siblings
• spouse
• children
• electricity
• pay check
• friends
• things you're good at
• things you enjoy, even if you're not good at them
• a warm, perpetually burning sun just eight light-minutes away
• childhood friends you still have
• childhood friends you've lost track of
• an ex- that taught you something, or caused you to learn it on your own
• the roof over your head
• the food in your fridge
• the heat at your baseboard
• clean water to drink

I could probably fill up the whole internet before I was done writing everything down, and I haven't even listed any specific to me, yet. Here are some:

• My friend Chris, who was my best friend from Kindergarten to second grade and invited me for sleep overs. I forgive you for running me over with your bike when our families went camping. I tripped in front of you, and I realize now you couldn't stop. It didn't hurt, I was just scared.
• My friend, Thom, who since seventh grade has always treated me as if I belong, no matter how long it is between visits.
• My ex-, because of whom I learned that before you can care for others you have to care for yourself, first, and take care not to lose or sacrifice what you are to please someone else.
• Mom, who accepted me as her own son when she married Dad and raised me to love God and other people. 
• Dad who protected my brother Tom and me from... stuff, and made a safe, healthy, and happy home for our family.
• My therapist who after my divorce taught me I'm OK just the way I am. Great, in fact. And that I cannot expect others to empathize, be courteous, and care for me the way that I do them, because they can't. That's a special gift of mine. I have to communicate with people.
• The judge who scored me low at NYSSMA choral competition and taught me I'm not all that.
• After years of trial and error, I am quite adept at providing a living for myself.
• I am blessed with musical talent and full use of my hands, ears, eyes, and voice in order to both perform and enjoy music.
• I have seen a sunrise.
• I have seen a sunset.
• I have seen a lunar eclipse
• I have seen a solar eclipse
• I have seen a comet
• I grew up with brothers and sisters who are also my friends, and on whom I know I can rely if ever I am in need.
• I live in a country where I have the freedom to succeed or fail, as I choose.

That's hardly any of what I'm thankful for, but if I fill up the internet you'll never get to read my post.

Happy Holidays,
Bob