Counting Blessings

I am lucky because I live with my best friend. He's not even the same species as me, but he takes good care of me in ways I didn't know I needed until we met. Thor makes sure I wake up in the morning, that I eat and play, and that I have my daily dose of cuddles. He bit me once, but it was easy for me to get over it. He was scared, and I hadn't respected his boundaries. Still, he wants to go outside right now. I am a little hesitant to let him, afraid I will lose him. So I bought him a collar, and we're just waiting on a tag with his name and my number on it before I let him venture out into Salem. I know he'll always come back to me, but I don't want anyone else to think that he's up for grabs. He's my best friend, after all.

I have been learning about gratitude this week. It's not as if I don't know how to be thankful, it's just that I sometimes forget to remember all there is to celebrate in life. I am learning that when I actively participate in naming my blessings and allow myself to feel appreciation for them, that Christmas feeling seeps into my days. It doesn't take away the anxiety or kill the depression completely, but it sure makes bouncing back a whole lot easier.

This week, I am so thankful for Daniel Wendler. He's a great friend with an amazing heart, and he's always been there to listen to me and help me to laugh through the pain. I value his friendship greatly. I am thankful for Beth Baslin, whom I haven't seen in a while, but who always encourages my soul. I am thankful for Meagan Furguson, whose Facebook posts keep me smiling and remembering that someone else is walking the deep paths too. I am thankful for my dad, who listens even though he doesn't understand the world of my emotions (he tries so hard too!). I am thankful for Ryan Thompson, who brings me joy just by being in the world. And I am thankful for my job, because it's challenging and rewarding, and sometimes a little boring.

The relationships we build with others make the world a place worth living in. Things never lead to happiness. But being thankful? That's something that will fill you with joy every time. I am learning it slowly, and my heart is happy. There will always be one more thing we need, another item on the to do list, or one more thing we want. But when we stop and count our blessings, those things don't matter so much. Right now is beautiful. We're blessed beyond reason. Love you all.