Giving Thanks

'Tis the season where it behooves us to take time from our busy, hectic lives to pause and review what we overlook in the flurry of our every day crazy.  I've been taking a little time each morning this week to really think about this, to zoom in on the things I take for granted in my normal day.  Here's a sampling of things I've come up with:

My health:  I am so very fortunate to have a body that can support doing all the things I want to do, from climbing mountains in Phoenix to RAGNARs in Chicago and everything in between that makes my day a little happier.  I'm grateful for being able to survive heat yoga to the other side of the hour and getting to experience the incredible high it gives me to be that in touch with my physical self.  I'm looking forward to continuing to push my physical limits over this next year and seeing just how far I can go.

My family:  I'm so lucky to have such an amazing and supportive family.  They celebrate my successes and  surround and hold me up in times of trial.  I wouldn't be who I am without their love.  This includes those people that aren't related to me by blood but that I let in close who BECOME my family. You listen to me vent about my crazy life and you give good counsel and still love me even when I show my weakness.  Thank you for giving me the safe zone in which to be myself.

Nature:  Every day I strive to see something of the natural beauty in this world and it never ceases to amaze me.  Whether its the glorious pink cotton candy sunrise peering above the trees as I drive to work or the bright red leaves emblazoning the sidewalk as I set out for a late afternoon run, these are small daily miracles that I am blessed to be able to witness. 

Weather:  I don't know if its because I'm a native Iowan or if I'm just hardwired this way, but I LOVE 4 seasons.  I could never, ever live in a climate that isn't constantly changing and surprising me.  I love gloomy, rainy, stay-in-bed-with-coffee-and-a-book days as much as hot, sunny, humid lounging-by-the-pool days.  While I don't thrill at driving through snowstorms, I do love the blanketing calm, quiet hush they bring to the world.  Its like all that is dirty and ugly gets blessed with a clean sheet of pristine white and that childlike wonder at snow still thrills me to my core.  Sledding anyone?? YES please!  And don't forget the snowman building and snow angels :o)

Here is hoping you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday and remember all that you have to be thankful for!