Be thankful

As November comes to an end, it is time to reflect on the all that is good in life.  Thanksgiving was yesterday & I broke from tradition this year and had dinner with some good friends instead of spending it with family. The day started with a fun 90-minute cycle class in an effort to burn off some calories (not nearly enough to justify the 2 pieces of pie I had!) Most years, the family gathers at my cousins, which is always nice & we get to hang out for the afternoon, but for me it is always hard because of those who are no longer here.  So when my friends invited me to have Thanksgiving dinner with them, I jumped at the chance. As I was on the way over, I got a message that the kids were watching at the door for me to show up. When I got there, sure enough, they were in the doorway waiting.  As I got out of the car, they started dancing in the door & my favorite dog pushed his way to the front & came outside to greet me. It was awesome to receive such a warm greeting & I was smiling from ear to ear - I knew it was going to be a fun evening. There were games (which I actually won - yes, I beat a 6 year old & I'm happy about it!), laughs and lots of wonderful food. It was relaxing & comfortable & just what I had been missing.  I felt normal for a change. Maybe it is because I have finally changed myself.  Maybe because I am putting myself first & doing what I want. Whatever the reason, I'm not going to question it because it was one of the best times I've had in a long time. 

And since it is Thanksgiving weekend, I'm came up with a list of things I'm thankful for (not very original I know!)  What are you thankful for?

I'm thankful for...

• my faith - it has always been there for me through the good & the bad. It has helped me become the person I am today
• my family & friends - new or old, you mean more to me than you probably realize
• patience & kindness from others - you didn't give up & you helped me get where I am today.  I was in a bad place for a long time & you helped me when I didn't want it
• my job, my house & my health
• determination - who would have thought a year ago that I would be swimming multiple days a week, running marathons & doing triathlons?  Not this girl, but if you believe in yourself, you can do anything
• ability to laugh at myself - otherwise I would never get back in a tri suit again!
• sense of humor - it may be a little dark at times, but it's there!
• for life - it has taught me a lot - it's hard, it isn't always fair, but there isn't much of an alternative, so suck it up & find what makes you happy
• my coach, my chiropractor, my massage therapist & my foam rollers - they are instrumental in keeping me moving
• courage to step out of my comfort zone & see just what is possible
• my blog - it started for fun,but has been very therapeutic & has helped me deal with my grief even though I didn't realize that until recently 

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.
- Oprah Winfrey

Enjoy everything that you have been blessed with - family, friends, fortune & health. Life is short & everything can change in an instant. Make sure you make the most of the days you have been given.

 - Mel 2.0