Small Joys -- gratitude

 Day 91

Random number: 376

Write down 10 things you feel grateful for and why

1. Great hair. I often take it for granted, but it is always there, whether styled into curls or a half-gray messy bun. It reminds me of my dad, it reminds me of my youth, Sean likes it, it makes me feel pretty. I got my hair cut and colored today and it looks fantastic again.

2. Finding like-minded people. It is so great to click with someone. New hairstylist is much younger than me, but we clearly vibed a bit. And my friends are so delightful. And like-minded people look out for each other and seek each other out. It is so good when you find your tribe. I have gotten a "witchy spell of protection" from Adele. A visit from Jamie. An invite from Nadine. I wonder sometimes about sending out postcards to people I have not seen in years, but it makes them feel good and it reminds me of the network of friends I have.

3. Slowing down. I am aiming to slow down my typing on my phone in particular. And trying to slow down my days overall. I need to protect my mental health and energy. This requires more sleep and less chaos. And I am appreciating the beauty of slowing down -- from age, from avoiding the outside world, for peace, for serenity, for focus, for health.

4. Good finances and good common sense. Sean and I are a good match on this, thank god. And we are looking to conserve for saving money but also our values. Spending money when we need to like on a roof. And conserving money when we don't want to spend -- like on clothes or small appliances. Trying a week without impulse shopping on Amazon.

5. Meditation. It is calming my brain.

6. Sean. I could always start with him. I am lucky and blessed and so grateful for him. He is a better husband and partner every year. The trust is so good right now. It is a scary time to be alone and not have a partner or good friends to count on.

7. Peter. I could also always start with him. For all his struggles and challenges he has had since being born, he is kind and sweet and loving and so smart. I wish the world rewarded his kind of success. I love him so much.

8. Britney and Wanda at work. They keep me sane. They have no idea. Britney says she is stressed, but is always helpful. Wanda is wise. Don't know if any of us would be friends outside of the office, but they are making my last gasp of working there bearable. 

9. Friends. I feel like I appreciate the same things each time I write a list like this. But I have great friends and family who I am truly grateful for. They make everything better. The deepening friendship over years. Barbara and Stacy are fantastic. And ... my list would go on so long. 

10. My health. Sure there have been some serious hiccups in past 10 years. But I am in better shape than perhaps I deserve to be. I really oughta start rewarding my body for being so good to me, by giving it sleep, water and healthy food.

Good night!