2011 year-end gratitude list

I have so much to be grateful for as I reflect back on 2011:

• my loving mother, who is healthy, optimistic, wise, and believes in me.
• the love I share with my sister, who is closer than ever and trusts me.
• the joy of my sister's young children, who asked for *me* to put their shoes on our last visit!
• my brother-in-law, who jokes with me and gives me solid advice.
• my father, who is reliable for grown-up advice and editing needs.
• the sense of humor and solid support of my dad's spouse.
• my job, employer, and co-workers -- I still love my job and have more security there than I thought!
• developing better working relationships at work and my growing confidence.
• a nice place to live, close to the river with prompt maintenance and attractive grounds.
• my cats, especially my baby girl who wakes me up every morning.
• the men who have loved me; the men I have loved.
• a good car and a good mechanic.
• my new dentist this year, and my new bite plane.
• my new medical doctors this year.
• clean air to breathe and clean water to drink.
• running hot and cold water on demand.
• my recovery support community, which has given me a way to live and people to live with!
• so many support meetings in my city and the willingness of my mentor to work with me.
• my laptop and internet service.
• my new smart phone with the super-large screen!
• my new best friend, who surprised me by being so amazing when we lost our third musketeer to a man.
• my neighbor who lovingly & generously cat sits for me when I travel, and whom my cats have bonded with!
• the financial and emotional security to progress with plans for SMC in 2012!
• all the women I've found also pursuing SMC and the online forum I've joined.
• my natural gifts and the grace of human kindness.
• scrabble online!
• the moments of joy I now take great care to notice.
• starting a blog and twitter this Thanksgiving.
• my extended family of cousins and their families.
• being invited to a party tonight for new year's eve.
• baths, coffee, my bed, my ease of sleeping.
• good mental health support and hope for my new providers starting in the new year.
• peace in our country.
• the freedom to vote.
• public libraries, and that ours offers audiobooks -- yay!!
• podcasts!
• free phone apps.
• my teddy bear.
• my good health.
• npr, bbc, pbs, and my local public radio stations.
• people who read my blog :)

Happy & Healthy 2012 to you all!!