THANKFUL 13

As you know, I am running a half marathon on Thanksgiving morning.  I am really excited.  I've done a 5k on Thanksgiving before, and I think this will be equally as great.

As part of the race, you can choose to submit a list of 13 things you are thankful for.  They are using the lists submitted by runners to create signs along the course.

I am thankful for a lot more than just 13 things, but here is a list of some of the things I am most thankful for.


1.) My marriage

Putting into words your gratitude for your spouse and your marriage is a difficult thing.  There is no way to sum up a happy, fulfilling marriage without becoming trite.  But, if I had to, I'd say...

There is no greater peace than knowing that whatever life faces you, you'll have your best friend by your side. All the small things, like our weekly Sunday walks, add up, creating so much peace and happiness.

Looking back, I sometimes think, I got married at twenty! Holy cow! I know it could have been a disaster.  Marriages fall apart all the time.  But for some reason I got blessed, and for that I am so grateful.

2.) My parents

 

I have learned so much from my parents.

My mother is generous and cheerful.  She taught me how to work hard, and how to be a powerful woman.  She would give anything to help her children.

My dad is more reserved, like me.  He is thoughtful and has always encouraged me to be my best self.  He doesn't need much to make him happy.  He is very active, and has influenced me to live a healthy, active life, too.

I know my parents are always there for me.

3.) My siblings.

It is funny how your relationships with your siblings change as you grow older.  I appreciate my siblings so much more now than I ever did when I was younger.

Watching them all get married and start having families has made our family even more fun.  I know I can share my thoughts, worries, and concerns with them.  I know they care and are interested in my life. 

4.) My faith

My beliefs motivate me to do better, to be more loving, and to become my best self.  I believe God loves me.

 

5.) My health

Your health is one of the only things you carry from one day to the next, year in and year out. It is one of the surest investments.  I am so grateful for a body that can run.  I am grateful I am mentally healthy.  I am grateful I have energy and am not limited by my health or fitness.

6.) The beautiful world

There are few things that center me more than going for a walk or run, listening to the leaves rustling and the birds twittering.  

7.) A good book

I don't know who this guy is, but he said it perfectly:

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies...The man who never reads lives only one.”
― George R.R. Martin,

7a: My Kindle

7b: The library

7c: Barnes & Noble -- Is it weird that going to Barnes and Noble and sitting in their couches flipping through books is one of our favorite dates?

8.) A stable job

My job takes a lot out of me, and like most jobs, I don't always love it, but there are wonderful days.  More than anything, I am grateful that I have a stable job.  It has made it possible for us to be debt-free and financially stable.

9.) Duncan

Duncan is by no means a perfect dog.  He can be quite a handful, but look at him!  He is so precious.  He is taking a nap with Clayton as we speak.

10.) Good food

My current favorites: Rubio's, Red Mango, green smoothies, banana with peanut butter, anything pumpkin, honeycrisp apples...yum!

11.) Time.

Thank goodness we have time to live.  We have time to develop ourselves.  We have time to explore different interests.  We have time to work and time to play.  I always feel like I'm short on time, but I am grateful for the time I do have.

12.) Creativity

Source

I have found in the last few months that I am happiest when I am using my creativity.  I am trying to figure out how I can use more of my creativity in my daily life.

Am I the only person who gets excited by a brand new pack of markers or crayons.  Oh the possibilities!

I have two packs of markers like this on my desk at work.  I am always looking for an excuse to use them.

13.) Quiet time

I need time to think, to breathe, and to settle.  That is half the reason I love running so much.  My thoughts flow freely and settle themselves without me having to wrestle through it all.  I feel like my life is so busy already, and I know it is only going to get busier when we have children, so I am enjoying my quiet time now.

What are you grateful for?

How will you be celebrating Thanksgiving?