I’ve been working on a gratitude list for while. Every time I refer back to it I’m in awe of how lucky I am and how incredibly thankful I need to be. So I figure I would share with you in hopes that you’ll do the same. Here’s what I propose: Let me know you’re writing your gratitude list, highlight the Top 10 on your blog, and I’ll link back to it. I think it may give us all a little perspective, and it will serve as a reminder that even in these difficult economic times we all have plenty of wonders to rejoice!

My Family – I’m thankful for the love and support my father and my sister bring me. They encourage me to follow my dreams and although at times they are concerned for my well-being, they understand that the greater the risk, the better the payoff. They accept me in my silly glory and love me unconditionally. And that goes for my extended family as well. We all argue and disagree and sometimes managed to not see each other for way too long, but they are my family and I’m lucky and very thankful to know them.

My BFFs (Brian, Vanessa, Maria, Alvaro) – These are timeless friendships that have sustained many hardships, long periods of silence, distance, distrust, and everything else under the sun. Brian and I have sworn off our friendship at least three times where I was pretty sure we’d never speak again; and here we are, still great friends and still texting each other good night. Vanessa and Alvaro have seen me grow and seen me at my worst. Although I do agree when we get together the inside jokes can get irritating because no one else knows what we’re talking about (I think we’re awesome). And Maria is my middle/high school BFF, and the one person I’ve really kept in touch with for the past seventeen years or so. I’d be pressed to find a better ear to listen to my ranting and I’m truly thankful she always found a way to get in touch with me.

My Spirit and my Goodness – I feel kind of funny writing this, but I’m thankful that I’m a good person. I’m thankful that I have pure feelings and wish to give nothing but love to anything and anyone. We are all tested repeatedly and it’s not easy to walk around emitting bliss all day, but at least I make an effort. I try to do at least one nice thing a day for someone, even if it’s just a comment on a blog to brighten up your day. We have to be the peace we seek in others, correct? I’m thankful that I’m aware!

My Employers – I’m incredibly appreciative for the opportunities all my employers have given me. Some have truly gone the extra mile and taken me under their wing. I have learned what to do, how to do it, and what not say… mostly what not to say. They have tested me and give me incredible amounts of responsibility, which at times I’ve assumed with great success and others… well… not so much. I have disappointed many, mostly because I always thought I wasn’t good enough. For that, I’m very sorry. But for all those bad instances, I’m also thankful because I finally realized I was always more than good, I was just in the wrong career path.

Writers and Artists – I could really go on forever here… So much learned and experienced through the eyes and written word of magnificent writers that have shaped my creativity, my choices, and even my career paths. From Woolf’s long and seemingly never-ending stream of consciousness to Anne Rice’s sensual and exciting Vampire Chronicles – I have treasured every word and every picture they have created in my mind. I only wish that one day I write a story that makes anyone out there feel anything at any time. I will.

My Teachers – From memorable high school teachers to incredible college professors to the wonderful spiritual guides in my life – my gratitude is incalculable. From you I learned my craft, my writing. From you I learned to grow and evolve and be thankful. From you I learned that all we can do with our love and knowledge is share it and give it away because we can’t take anything with us. A special thanks to Professor Phil Marcus for never reading from a text book, for having coffee with his students every Saturday morning before class, for helping me tremendously in my personal life, and for sharing his passion for literature and the human psyche.

Animals – I think we all agree that those wonderful creatures that keep us company at home are priceless. They’re sad when we’re sad and they’re thrilled to see us happy. They come greet us at the door and sit by us no matter what we’re doing. I don’t have a pet at the moment, but ALL my best friends do… I guess I live vicariously through their experiences and really love the little boogers.

My Possessions – I try very hard not to be attached to things. They're just things and have very little meaning in our lives, but they do provide extraordinary temporary pleasure and I’m thankful for everything I own. From my perfect little car to the most remarkable cuticle cutter (it really works wonders) – I love all my junk! I love my cell phone that’s constantly attached to my pocket, my overpriced sparkling make-up, my giant television, all my books, my sweet smelling incense and candles, and oh… my super awesome, super worn out, and super perfect jeans. I’m barely worthy!

Our Leaders – Although they may not always represent all of our views, I am thankful for those local and international leaders who choose a life of great responsibility. The daily pressure they feel must be tremendous and I cannot imagine waking up with the eyes of the world on you. For all the good, selfless work you do on behalf of humankind, I sincerely thank you (check out President Obama's speech to the Muslim world here on Durian Guy's blog).

People Who Have Wronged Me – I’m thankful because without them, there would be no growing. Without their presence in my life there would be no learning and no taking a look at my own actions and tweaking what’s necessary. If we were never wronged, lied to, or stolen from, how would we know right from wrong? The universe has a way to always cash in its debt, I assume at some point, I just paid mine, and others collected more. I advice you to live a good life… nothing goes unnoticed.

Gratitude is a Virtue