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Gratitude for a Change

Changes in life that I’m thankful for:

Finally going to college.  College was a reward for surviving jr. high and high school and was an oasis of humanity that was too big for cliques, had the power of choice (which class? Which schedule? What major?) and people who liked learning had an excuse to scratch their itch. 

Finding myself (arguably still in process).  I think perhaps the single most pivotal change in creating happiness was finally learning how to be me.  I don’t think I started the process until I was about 27, but I’ve always been a bit of a late bloomer.

When I suddenly gained 1.5 inches of height my senior year of high school.  From an embarrassing 5’3” to almost a 5’5” on a good day, that inch point five meant so much to me in gaining a sense of confidence.  Ironically, it wasn’t until a few years ago was I able to adjust that on my drivers license.  (As the woman at the DMV said, “We round up for height, and down for weight.  It’s more of a goal weight if you will”). 

Becoming a writer, and admitting it to myself.  It didn’t happen until after 3 years of seminary, but it did happen, and in fact is heavily tied to item #2.  Suddenly I understood what people talked about when they talked about being passionate about their work.  I just hadn’t felt it before.  Now I do.

Finding friends along the way that I could be myself with. 
I found this little guy in Golden Gate park one day, just hangin' out

Living alone.  Former roommates, I’m grateful for you too, but nothing beats having an apartment to yourself where every wall and every table top is yours to adorn and no one is around to make fun of your television choices.  Where, when you open the door and the place is a mess you only have yourself to blame.  Where your mind is completely at ease in its solitude.  

Learning how to read, write and dance.  Those have served me well.

Therapy.   As a facilitator of item #2 and like said item, a large influence in being a happier, healthier person.  I was resistant for a very long time, now I’m often more of a therapy evangelist. 

Seasons.  They just keep things interesting, don’t they?

Social media & the internet.  Yup, I remember a time without them and they’ve made it easier to stay connected with people I like and admire.  Like you!

Birthdays.  They are a great excuse to reflect on the year before and who doesn’t like receiving a present that someone you care about really spent some time and thought picking out? 

Discoveries.  Like finding more galaxies and treatments for illnesses and how to use paper towels as coffee filters in a pinch.

Changes in general.  How boring life would be without them.  What changes in your life are you thankful for?

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