Gratitude List and the Giving of Thanks

Hot on the heels of Halloween is another holiday American expats have to improvise over here. I like this celebrating of traditions in new ways.

I’ll be heading to a Thanksgiving “apero” on Friday (hey, it’s a cultural melange!), but in the meantime, here is an abbreviated gratitude list. I’ve been incorporating this practice of recognizing life’s bounty into my regular routine anyway; the holiday is just a more formalized chance to say thanks!

I’m thankful that my close friend came through his heart procedure successfully today. I’m thankful for my own open heart.

I’m thankful I can sit with uncertainty, though it can feel scary and hard.

“I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do,” artist Georgia O’Keeffe once said.

I’m thankful for inspiring quotes. Inspring stories. Inspiring people and lives.

I’m thankful for the proverbs on each sachet of Yogi tea.

I’m thankful for silly status updates from friends far and wide – though I really shouldn’t spend quite so much time online.

I’m thankful I’m learning to be more kind to myself about my shortcomings (see last statement). But thankful I know when to give myself a good kick in the butt, too.

I’m thankful for the guardian of my building who cleans the hallways and the garbagemen who collect our trash.

I’m thankful I can dance, even as my body accumulates pains. “Come on, Grandma,” a chiropractor cajoled me recently, marveling at the back issues I have for my age.

I’m thankful for health care and that I can get help when I need it.

Caught mid-laugh!

I’m thankful for my loud laugh that emanates from deep inside. That I didn’t lose it even after enduring many a withering look from people more “reserved” than I.

I’m thankful to have the most amazing mother in the world; I know how it feels to be unconditionally loved.

I’m thankful I’m safe and warm and sheltered; I have access to healthy food and clean water.

“I have everything I need.” I’m thankful I know incredible writers who pen poems such as these: (“I Have” by Andrew Nurkin).

I’m thankful for books and beautiful sentences that take my breath away.

I’m thankful I know how to be alone.

I’m thankful for the familiar comfort and unabashed joy when talking with real friends.

I’m thankful for the sun. For light. For day and night.

I’m thankful that there is no end in sight to the list of things for which I’m thankful; off the top of my head I could keep going on forever.

And of course, I’m thankful for you.

Et vous? What are you thankful for? Keep the list going!