38 Beads of Gratitude

Today is my 38^th birthday.

Today I count my blessings and thank this wonderful, crazy and beautiful life for all that it has given me.

1. This morning, I woke up.
2. All of my basic needs are met without struggle or even recognition.
3. Whatever it may be that hurts or slows me down physically is only temporary.
4. I was born to parents who love me with their whole hearts.
5. I was taught by example that integrity and kindness matter. Because they do.
6. I have two younger brothers whom I’ve looked up to my entire life.
7. I was gifted with an education without limitation.
8. I was gifted with teachers who, without limitation, encouraged that education.
9. I have swam in some oceans and I have climbed some mountains.
10. I have laughed laughs from the pit of my belly.
11. I have cried tears from the pit of my heart.
12. I have a husband who loves me in a perfect kind of way.
13. I have a husband whom I love in a perfect kind of way.
14. I have traveled.
15. I have opinions.
16. I am able to speak my opinions to people who believe those opinions matter. Because they do.
17. I have good friends who aren’t afraid of the trenches.
18. I have good friends who are always up for dancing.
19. I have read some great books and watched some great movies.
20. I have a little rescue pug who embodies unconditional love.
21. I have made many mistakes. Each and every one has taught me something.
22. Sometimes I make the same mistake over and over again, but at least I’m still learning.
23. I have loss and I have regret.
24. My loss and my regret are anchors of my character.
25. I’ve had a broken heart, but that broken heart led me to a perfect kind of love.
26. I have an extended family that has circled me with love since the day I was born.
27. When I got married, that circle grew.
28. I have three beautiful, healthy and happy (most of the time) children.
29. Those children have opened my eyes and my heart in ways I never thought possible.
30. I live in a world filled with promise, and that gives me hope.
31. I have a faith that balances and restores me, and that gives me hope.
32. I have opportunities to make contributions.
33. I am reminded on a daily basis of the goodness of people.
34. Miracles happen.
35. Many of my dreams have already come true.
36. Many of those dreams that came true were dreams I didn’t even know I had.
37. Every single day has a little extraordinary in it.
38. And no matter what, it’s never ever too late.

KID