Do you think about what you’re thankful for in your life?

Or does the stress and rush of the day-to-day leave you spinning?

I borrowed this annual tradition from my good friend and writer buddy, Anne Wayman. 

Each year, Anne posts an extensive list identifying what she is thankful for. I loved the idea so much that I decided to do the same.

What better time to think about what we’re thankful for than Thanksgiving? So, I am updating this post from its original November 24, 2016 publication.

I invite you to add your own Thanksgiving list in Comments. You don’t have to live in the U.S. to share this tradition.

I am truly blessed.

Thanksgiving Thanks 2017

First and Foremost

1. My mom’s health – Mom’s pacemaker from 2016 is going strong, as is she. Due to occasional side effects of her medications; however, she did have to stop driving. I am so proud of her for making such a tough decision. Imagine if you had to give up that freedom.
2. My health -Despite my recently diagnosed winged scapula (scientific evidence of my angel-like qualities!), my health continues to be excellent. I am proud to say I continue to take no medication and other than my poor abused feet from all the walking, I am still truckin’.
3. My family – As a middle child of seven with Lord knows how many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and -nephews, there is a lot to love in my family. We have the U.S. well-covered. I love each one of you!
4. My 3-Day teammates – Another tradition from the last several years is the 3-Day Walk for the Cure. It takes place in my beloved San Diego on the weekend before Thanksgiving.

One of my favorite aspects of the event is the reunion with my teammates. We have 16 in total, although not all walk each year. In 2017, we saw the return of teammate, Kristin (who is a doctor now!), who last walked the San Diego Walk in 2007. These ladies are everything to me. I often only see them once a year, but as teammate, Martina, said, with 3 days and 60 miles, you learn a lot about each other. And what I’ve learned is how special, unique, and fabulous my teammates are.

Universal Friends

1. My friend, Judi – Judi was my first boss when I moved to San Diego. But, she has become so much more. She was a mentor and always my friend. We were to have lunch when I was there for the 2017 3-Day Walk. Unfortunately, Judi has had serious health issues and was hospitalized during that time. I am praying for a swift and complete recovery, Judi. I love you.
   
2. Another longtime friend – I have known Linda as long as I’ve known Judi. We all worked at the same company. Linda generously offers her home, and even her car, each year when I return to San Diego. In an unwanted sign of solidarity, Linda developed breast cancer. I am happy to report she is doing well. I love you, Linda, and hope that cold leaves you soon!
3. My freelance buds – Three fellow freelancers and I connected outside the confines of social media to good old-fashioned email and phones. Although we have not met in person, these ladies are my sanity in what we know can be a crazy world. They are funny (hysterical, in fact), wise, and always there for me. Thank you, my friends.
4. My lunch with Anne – Anne who inspired this tradition is another fellow writer. How crazy is it that we didn’t meet in person until after I left San Diego (Anne lives in San Diego, as did I)? I am thankful we finally did meet. Lunch with Anne each year when I return to San Diego is one of my most treasured gifts. Love you, Anne.
5. Online friends – Connecting with some truly great people around the world is one of the best features of social media. I love my twin (in so many ways), Sharon, and reconnecting with my Aussie sister, Maree. I love Emily and her cats, and all the fellow writers at the About Writing Squared Forum.

Business Thanks

1. My clients – Like many of us who *ahem* are getting older, I have tried to simplify my life. After nine years of freelancing, I appreciate my current clients for their professionalism, and all the smiles they bring to each project. Working with them is a true pleasure.
2. Direct deposit – Speaking of smiling, I love project payments through direct deposit. Sorry post office, but if I never had to wait for another paper check, I’d be a happy camper.
3. No hassle tech support – This rare gift is so appreciated. Online stuff (a technical term) gets really painful. I love these techies who keep it simple.
4. My Day Planner – For all our digital support, I still love my simple, paper Day Planner. There’s something about seeing it on paper that simplifies my management. You know how I love simple.
5. Free samples (to a point) – I love the free pens and various other office supplies I receive. Because I’ve used imprinting services for my marketing, various vendors send me free samples. However, I admit there are times I scream when I see yet another sample arriving at my doorstep.
6. Blocked calls – I am thankful to the genius who developed call blocking for all the idiot scammers out there.

Simple Pleasures

1. Socks and more socks – It’s not only freelancers who love their socks. Last year at Christmas, my sisters and I had an unplanned gift theme of socks. And more socks. No complaints here. I love warm, fuzzy socks on cold winter days and soft light ones for year-round. My toes thank you, too.
2. Flowers – I love when our tulips bloom in the Spring and the roses return once again. I love our annual splash of geranium colors and the simple pleasure they bring outside my office window.
3. Kali – My sister’s adorable miniature white schnauzer brings so much joy each time she visits her Boise vacation home.
4. Real communication – I am thankful for communication that connects us to others. Like live talks with my nephew, Christopher D, or my friend, Lori. And, yes, it can even be through social media, like the fantastic Facebook group (the “unofficial” San Diego 3-Day group) or a post from friend, Aaron, about the understanding that comes from taking the time to listen. Is there anything more powerful than communication done right?
5. Hugs – I admit it. I’m a hugger from a long line of huggers. Ask a San Diego 3-Day walker how special hugs can be.
6. Notre Dame – I’m not sure simple pleasures describes my relationship with Notre Dame (particularly the football team). It’s more DNA-related than anything else. Go Irish!

I could go on and on (and apparently have). This is but a small list of all I am thankful for. I wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

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Live…Laugh…Love

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