Sunday, September 23, 2012

#71- I am thankful for my partner/husband/life partner in crime.

I am so very grateful for my husband.

I feel like the luckiest person on the planet to have such a wonderful partner in love and in life. I feel loved and accepted and understood every single day.  Even when I'm especially cantankerous, he still loves me. I feel understood even when I don't understand my own feelings or emotions. The feeling of being loved unconditionally is the most wonderful and amazing feeling.

In the past 8 years together and 4 years of marriage, we have grown spiritually and emotionally together.  Even when things look grim, when our pantry and bank accounts may be close to bare, when we are not feeling well or being lazy about household chores, our love still remains strong. 

I am so thankful for being loved by my partner, my husband, my life-partner-in-crime. I am so very thankful for his kindness, selflessness and generosity. I am thankful for every single moment that we have been together and for every moment that is yet to come.




#70 I am thankful for people who support the arts.

The arts. All of the arts. Theater, painting, sculpting, music, poetry, dance, etc.  I am so very thankful for the people who support the arts. People who donate money, time, objects, and their efforts are in need of more appreciation. 

Funding for the arts is becoming harder and harder to come by so theater companies, art and music public education programs and other non-profit art programs are having to do more vigorous fundraising.

Yes, people need food and shelter and healthcare first, there is no denying that. But communities also need creative outlets and opportunities. People benefit from the arts. The emotional and spiritual benefits of creative expression are endless. People who support the arts in any way they can are so important to the artistic community. Supporting anyone's creative endeavors is validating to more than just that one person.

I'm not going to bother providing statistics about how art and music education increase SAT scores, but I know how art and the freedom to express myself creatively has increased my quality of life.  Visual arts, music, theater and dance have made my entire life and the lives of many of those around me so much more vibrant and full. 

Support the arts. Donate $1 to a local art program or theater company. Help support the creative community.

Here are some artistic programs that I support and encourage you to do the same:

Promethean Theatre Ensemble
http://www.prometheantheatre.org/

City Lit Theater
http://citylit.org/

Striding Lion Performance Group
http://www.stridinglion.org/Home.html

Oracle
http://publicaccesstheatre.org/

Prologue Theatre Company
http://www.prologuetheatreco.org/

The Mime Company
http://themimecompany.com/

Filament Theatre Ensemble
http://www.filamenttheatre.org/


Wednesday, September 19, 2012

#69 I am thankful for waves from random children.

I just love when I'm walking down the street and while passing a child he or she waves at me unprovoked.  It just seems like the sweetest gesture.

We live in a society where people don't automatically say hello or good morning or good afternoon to each other.  We are now too busy with what's going on on our cell phones, iPods, ereaders, etc and we don't want or need the human interaction as we go about our daily lives.

That's what I love so much about inquisitive, curious children.  They want to learn and know about the people around them.  That's what I find so inspiring about children. The sweet innocence of a wave or a grin or a cheerful "Hi" is what I am thankful for in this very moment.


#68 I am thankful for Wednesdays.

I am thankful for Wednesdays.

Wednesdays mean you have made it through half the week. It means you've "gotten over the hump." If you've survived this far, you can definitely make it through the rest of the week. Only 2 more days until the weekend! You can make it! You can do it! You're almost through the dark tunnel of the week and you can see the light at the end of the table.

Wednesdays. Midweek. Hump day. I'm thankful for you!

#67 I am thankful for the crisp autumn air.



I am thankful for the crisp autumn air.  After months of heat and heavy summer air, the refreshing feeling of cooler weather and transition is so exhilarating.  Fall, the season where the leaves start to change, cardigans, sweaters, layers, pumpkin food and the fresh cool air.

Step outside, stand still, close your eyes and feel the air of transition and change. The new season brings change and growth. Letting go of the past and moving on.

Oh crisp fall air,...how I am so very thankful for you.

 

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

#66: I am thankful for quiet reflection.






I am thankful for quiet reflection. Those moments where you can have your own thoughts and remember who you are outside of all the material distractions. Being able to think quietly, being aware of your own thoughts and ideas.  Being able to find your true self. Being present in your body, mind and soul. 
For that, I am thankful.



#65 I am thankful for my niece.

Today is my niece's 9th birthday and I am so thankful for her!

Emme is an amazing girl.  She's so smart and creative. She is incredibly sweet and thoughtful. Her loving nature is contagious. I feel so lucky to have her in my life.

Being with her makes me smile and laugh. Her passion for learning and the world around her is admirable.  She loves reading and books, which makes my heart melt.  I love seeing the world through her eyes, innocent and full of light.

Although I don't see her often, I love being with her! We have SO much fun!  We have so much fun making up stories, coloring, knitting, dancing.

I love and adore her and am SO thankful for her.

Today and every day, I am thankful for my niece Emme!


Wednesday, September 12, 2012

#64 I am thankful for the sunrise.

No matter what has transpired since the sun set the previous evening, the sun will always rise the next morning. If nothing else, this is something reliable, something we can count on and can look forward to.

Every morning, when we wake from our slumber, the sun will once again be in the sky or just about to peak over the horizon.

Each sunrise is a new beginning. Each day, a fresh start.  Regardless or what was or wasn't done the previous day, what may have happened or what was said, what was felt or conveyed, the sun will always rise.

The world keeps spinning, the planets keep orbiting, the sun keeps rising.




Tuesday, September 11, 2012

#63 I am thankful for teachers.

Teachers are the people who help us become who we are and who we want to be. They not only help mold us into who we are but they also fill our heads with knowledge! They have the patience to deal with not only students but with parents and the administration.

 Teachers work long hours, often in harsh conditions, often doing the job of nurse, librarian, social worker, therapist, cheerleader, mediator in addition to being a teacher. Teachers do NOT get the respect and appreciation they need and deserve.

 Chicago Public School teachers are not just fighting for a pay increase. They are fighting to decrease class size, for air-conditioning since classrooms can reach more than 90 degrees in the hot weather, for school nurses, for school librarians, for music classes. I want the teachers to be respected and treated fairly so that the children in this city get the best education possible.

Growing up I wanted to be a teacher. I wanted to teach children and fill their brains with knowledge and help them learn to be critical thinkers. I also wanted to teach children how to read. I LOVE to read and had it not been for the teacher who taught me to do so, I might not love it the way I do to this very day.

 I don't know why I decided to not become a teacher, perhaps it was because of the bureaucracy that you must deal with? Perhaps it was the limitations and concept of teaching children only half truths about reality and history? I don't really know. But what I do know, is that I am so thankful for the wonderful teachers that have been a part of my life and have helped me grow into the person that I am today.

 I am thankful for teachers.

#62 I am thankful for my freedom.

I am incredibly thankful for my freedom and my rights as a an American and as a human.

I am free to believe in any religion or lack there of that I choose. No one can force me to believe and practice a religion that I do not want to believe or practice. I get to decide for myself, what religion I want to be a part of. I am free to think and say whatever I care to.

I have the freedom of speech. I can criticize the government and not get put in prison or killed for what I say. I can speak my mind or write an article based on my thoughts, feelings and believes and I will not be imprisoned for doing so.

 I have reproductive freedom and am able to make decisions for myself and my body and my family without being told what to do by anyone else. This is a right that I would die fighting for, that's how much it means to me.

I have the right to be who I am, to stand up for myself and others. I know there are other rights that are also very important and these are just a handful of rights that every single American has, but it's been a long day, and I'm just thankful for my freedom and those who continue to fight for freedom and equal rights every day.

I am thankful for my freedom.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

#61 I am thankful for the person who starts the standing ovation.

There are often times when my eyes are full of tears because I'm so moved by a play, the acting, the story, the music, that I'm afraid that if I stand up and clap, that I will start crying and everyone will see me crying.  Now, I realize that this isn't really a fear, it's just me and overwhelming emotions.

But when someone else stands up first, I feel a little braver and if I've been moved by the performance, I will also stand up and clap even harder for the performers and artists involved in the piece.

So thank you, random first person to stand up for the standing ovation, you give me that little boost of strength to stand up as well, even if I'm quietly (or not so quietly) weeping!


Hogwarts clapping

#60: I am thankful for rescued animals.

Animals need kindness and love just as much humans do. Animals don't have a voice or the ability to express their needs.  They only have humans to rely on, to trust, to care for them when they are in need.

All 3 of my cats were stray cats that needed homes. All 3 of them have brought so much joy in my life. Rescue animals are special. They seem to understand that you did something wonderful for them. You gave them a home and they are grateful, or at least, I'd like to think so. 

I recently spent time with a very sweet rescued greyhound. She was so gentle and loving. She was patient with the infant who very much wanted to touch her soft fur.  She just accepted the love that was given to her. She rested her head on my knees in hopes that I would give her a some snuggles, which of course I gave her. She is a very special animal and I could feel her sense of happiness. 

I've spent a lot of time with rescued animals, some that I've rescued and others that have been rescued by friends and families. These animals need our love, our compassion and our homes. If I could, I would rescue more animals, of all different species, of course, not in the animal hoarder way, but in the Farm Sanctuary way. I love animals and I would love to be able to give animals homes to those who need them.

I am also thankful for the kindness and generosity of people who rescue animals and put their wants and needs second to the animals who need their help. Thank you to all the people who have helped an animal in need.  Animals are so wonderful. Their mere presence in my life has helped me in so many ways. 

I am so very thankful for every rescued animal, especially Lily, Dinah and Elvis.




#59 I am thankful for the generosity of my friends and family.

I am incredibly thankful for the generosity of my friends and family.

When someone helps me or does a huge a favor for me and they are fully aware that I will never be able to fully repay the favor, that is beyond generous.

Helping others who need assistance in someway, without complaining or grimacing, that's generosity.

I am so thankful for every single person who has helped me in some shape, way or form.  People have helped me move, fed my cats, loaned me money, lent me their cars, gotten me assorted meals, given me rides, etc.

I am forever grateful to each person who has helped me in someway.  I am obviously indebted to you and may never be able to truly express how much all your generosity has meant to me.

I am so thankful for the generosity of others.



Sunday, September 2, 2012

#58: I am thankful for good listeners.

Sometimes you just need to talk. You don't want or need advice. You have thoughts and feelings you need to express to a confidant without being judged or lectured. You need to be heard.

I am thankful for people who are good listeners. I am thankful for those people who are accepting and caring enough to just be able listen.  Feelings can often become overwhelming if you aren't able to share them with someone you trust and being able to share those feelings in an open way is so healthy.

Becoming a good listener isn't something that is easily done. It can be very difficult to not want to talk about your own experiences, your own problems, your own life. But being a good listener means being able to put your thoughts and your needs to the side for a moment and being present with someone else and their needs.

It's hard to listen, especially when there are other things on your mind. When you are frustrated or annoyed or even tired, it's hard to listen to someone else. But listening is a powerful skill that helps to create healthy, meaningful relationships. If we can't listen to others without interjecting our own thoughts and stories, then we can't actually be a good friend or companion.

Often being listened to, being heard, being understood is more powerful than any advice you could ever receive. I'm not always a good listener, it's something that I have to continuously work on. But I am so very thankful for those who have listened to me when all I need to do was get something off my chest. And for that, I am forever grateful.

Open your ears, open your hearts.




Saturday, September 1, 2012

#57- I am thankful for birthdays.

Everyone who has ever been born has one. Some are more exciting than others. Some are down right scary! But everyone deserves to be celebrated on the day they were born.  Young and old, each and every birthday is important. 

My grandfather recently celebrated his 87th birthday. Eight seven!! He has celebrated 87 years in this world. That is quite an accomplishment.  He has survived so much in his 87 years of life and deserves praise and celebration.  Each year we get to celebrate his very existence in our lives. We get to celebrate this laughter, joy, sense of humor, the pride and love he has for his family. We get to remember all the fun things we have been able to experience because of him and his generosity.  I want to celebrate my grandfather and his 87 years of life and all the happiness and joy he has brought into so many people's lives. 

I am thankful for a reason to celebrate and honor my grandfather! I am thankful for birthdays!






#56-I am thankful for Saturdays.

This morning, I opened my eyes, looked at my clock and for a brief moment thought, "OH MY GOODNESS! It's 9:45! I can't believe I overslept! I'm late for work(again)!!"  And that's when I realized,....it's Saturday. So I grabbed my book, put my head back on my pillow and started to read.

I am thankful for Saturdays.