A short time ago my friend Kim, from So-Many-Places, wrote a beautiful piece on what she was grateful for and invited others to share their thoughts. In this time of negative news, it is more important than ever to remember that the majority of us have many, many things to be grateful for every single day. This weekend, Jim was enjoying a night away on a guys camping trip and I found myself home alone for the first time in a long time and thought about all of the many things I’m grateful for.

I am grateful for the health that allowed me to just take my two beautiful dogs on a long walk in the drizzling rain.

I am grateful (no really!) for the rain, for the incredible smell in the air, and for the green of the grass.

I am grateful that after 25 years together I still get excited knowing Jim will be home soon.

I am grateful for the heavenly scent of bread baking in the oven.

I am grateful for for every sunrise and every sunset.

I am grateful for good food and, especially, a good glass of red wine.

I am grateful for tequila.

I am grateful for this life I have led, and the places I have traveled.

I am grateful these travels have expanded my knowledge of the world and made me a more well rounded individual.

I am grateful for family and friends, those already in our lives, and those we have yet to meet.

I am grateful for each miraculous day.