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15 Things of Which I am Grateful for in 2015 (and beyond)

By December 30, 2015 No Comments

(Not loving that title, but I’m going with it for the time being.)

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  1. Family – I have an amazing family.  They support, encourage, love, and tease me – all important things.  My children’s smiles brighten my day like nothing else.
  2. Friends – I’m so grateful for friends who laugh with me, and hold me up when I cry.  I am blessed with both a wide and deep support system.
  3. Faith – I’m thankful for the freedom to believe, learn, and worship in the ways I choose to.  And grateful for a God that shows mercy, grace, and love.
  4. Health – I love healthy foods, and enjoy exercise.  I’m grateful that those two things help make good health easier to achieve and maintain.
  5. Freedom – I mentioned this in #3, but it goes so much deeper.  I’m not scared to walk out my door, post whatever I want on social media, read my Bible in public, or desire an education.  I’m so thankful for the men and women who have fought so that I can enjoy these freedoms.
  6. Laughter – I love to laugh.  The end.
  7. Strength – I don’t mean physical strength, but I’m thankful for the mental and emotional strength I’ve been able to draw upon throughout 2015.  I feel even stronger going into 2016.
  8. Joy – This will sound overly simplistic, but life is just better when we focus on what brings us joy.  I’m so very grateful for having a life full of those joys.
  9. Hugs – They just feel good.  And hugs can communicate feelings better than any other physical touch.
  10. My Career – I started my own business in 2015, and it’s only getting busier for 2016 – which is a very good thing.  The best part is that I get to do something I love, that I am passionate about, and that I’m good at.
  11. New Connections – I’ve written about this before, but I’m energized by talking with like-minded people.  It’s fun to meet new people, share stories, and learn from one another.  I’ve made many new connections in 2015, and I’m grateful for each one.
  12. Dark Chocolate – It’s simply the best.  My kids bought be a Divine (fair-trade chocolate) dark chocolate caramel bar for my stocking.  Unbelievably delicious.
  13. Coffee – I just love coffee.  It’s yummy – especially with dark chocolate.
  14. Wine – A nice glass of Riesling pairs wonderfully with dark chocolate.  🙂
  15. Exercise – Grateful that I (mostly) enjoy exercise particularly because of my indulgence in #12-14.

I am pretty confident that I will be equally grateful for all of these in 2016, as well, but wanted to practice gratitude by writing a short list at the conclusion of this year.  I’ve also been sitting on my #oneword for 2016 for about a week now.  Stay tuned (and share yours with me!)  Happy New Year, Everyone!