From Bucket Lists to Gratitude Lists: What I’m Thankful For Now

May 8th was my 72nd trip around the sun and I could not be more grateful. From a miserable bout of anxiety in 2023, and gall bladder surgery in 2024, I’m now feeling better than I have in a long time, and my Gratitude List is front and center.

Here are some of the things I’m grateful for today:

The stranger at Aldi who saw me standing in line to go in the store, holding a dollar bill in my hand. She gave me a quarter for the cart, and wouldn’t accept reimbursement after I got change from the cashier.

That I can still do a brisk walk around the neighborhood once or twice a day and enjoy the fresh air. My neighbors down the street don’t know my name so they call me “The Lady Who Walks.” I’ll take it.

My monthly “Creativity Calls” zoom group. At every session, we share what’s going on in our lives - creatively and otherwise. We laugh. We cry. And we support each other. It’s a gift to know these gals, and yet we’ve never met in person.

Atticus, the Rottweiler, or should I say “walking meatloaf” who lives down the street. I’m sure the fact that I give him the occasional piece of chicken has nothing to do with how much he loves me.

The people who love me, even when I don’t feel particularly lovable. You know who you are.

A continuous sense of curiosity when it comes to making art. I still love saying “what if….” whenever I work on a new piece.

That a few loud WTFs can still get me through a bad day. NOTE: Did you know that the word Lalochezia refers to the relief gained from profane language? I am so there…

And finally, I believe that the privilege of growing older has actually given me my true self back. So, how could I be anything but grateful?

How about you? What are you grateful for today?