I am grateful for my family and friends. It is a wide circle, but I never feel my love for them is spread too thin. Even the ones that are rarely in my line of sight are always in my heart. I am loved by many people, in different ways, and there is no better feeling.
I am grateful for the opportunity to teach (even in this difficult period). It is exactly what I am meant to be doing...for now. It might sound like I've drunk the Kool-Aid, but teenagers really are amazing. If you are in a point in your life where you do not have much contact with teens, you should find a way to be around them (probably in small doses if you aren't used to them in large quantities). If you keep the right frame of mind, it's possible to feel the truly sweet energy they possess--even when they are surly, nasty, and at their most annoying.
I am grateful to own a home. A sweet, little, funky home that keeps me and my little troupe (Elvis and Buddy) warm and dry.
I am grateful for my mind and body (flaws and all). I've struggled with the things they can't do, but I'm constantly amazed at the things that they can continue to do, or are just learning. After 27 days of yoga, I'm finding renewed openess, strength, and forgiveness.
I could go on for days, especially in my current good mood, but I will end with one last piece of gratitude. This is a tough one that I don't feel more often than I do: I am grateful to the people in my life who have caused me or the people I love pain and turmoil, and the people for whom I feel animosity, anger, or disgust toward. No names here, but there is a list. I often find these people to be my best teachers (when I let myself let go of the negative feelings I hold toward them). If I were my best Buddhist self, I would release all animosity toward each of them, but I settle at this point for moments of forgiveness and acceptance.
That's it for now. I'm off to help a friend keep a crazy group of 17-year-olds in check at a Slip-n-Slide birthday party! Oh gracious!
Awesome post.
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