What brings you joy in life?

Short answer? Gratitude.

I’m an optimist. The unique mix of genetic material and upbringing that created me meant I was destined to Always Look at the Bright Side of Life. One grandmother was a Christian Scientist. The other believed in Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking. Neither had easy lives. Each suffered struggles and sadnesses that came along with surviving the Great Depression and having sons fight in World War II.  Still, they chose optimism and taught me to Count Your Blessings.

I think that’s the secret–choosing to look for blessings every day. No, it’s not foolproof. I do grumble from time to time. Fortunately, my list of blessings is long, random, and changes from day to day. It includes little things and big things.

Here’s a partial list of what I’m grateful for:

• My (smart, kind, funny) husband/tech support of nearly fifty years who makes my coffee every morning.
• My two beautiful adult daughters who are happy, healthy, and independent.
• Love, in all its expressions.
• Avocadoes.
• The good health of me and my family.
• A comfortable home near our growing-up-too-fast granddaughter.
• Good friends of long standing.
• Fish tacos.
• Reading picture books to preschoolers.
• Kindness.
• My baby brother.
• Eating breakfast on the deck during the summer.
• Helpful neighbors.
• A secure if not lavish retirement.
• Fresh snow.
• Reconnecting with old friends.
• A great bargain.
• The sound of rain on the roof.
• A decent car.
• Lying in the sun next to a pool or on a beach.
• Rewatching old movies.
• Babies.
• A good book.
• Homegrown tomatoes.
• The ability to give my time and energy to create things or help others.
• Lilacs.
• Family reunions.
• Baking with my grand-girl.
• Broadway musicals.
• High-speed internet and streaming services.
• Someone buying my book.
• Spring.
• My local library.
• The smell of clean laundry.
• Hugs.
• Dark chocolate.
• A good joke.
• Hope.

What are you grateful for?

With so many blessings to count, joy comes easy when I just remind myself to be grateful for this wonderful world.