Thankful

Lately, I’ve been making it a point of consciously giving thanks every day for the good that exists in my life. Of course there are days that really suck, and things I wish hadn’t happened, or feelings I wish didn’t exist. On those days, even if the only thing I can find good in that day is the smile that comes to my face when I see my dogs’ happy tails, I am deeply, and profoundly happy that I have them in my life, and I am thankful for the joy they bring me.

The truth is, we all have things to be thankful for, even if our lives are spiraling downhill, or life seems to be a constant uphill struggle. There is almost always SOMEthing that we can stop and be thankful for. So, I wanted share with you the thank you checklist that I've been mentally go through every night when my head hits my pillow.

Thank you for this day, another day in my life. Thank you for my health, well-being and physical abilities, and the health and well-being of my family.

As materialistic as it might sound, I’m grateful for the things I have around me, a nice house, good vehicles, the privilege of riding a motorcycle, and the ability and opportunity to race, and all life’s little and not so little conveniences in my possession.

I’m thankful for having been able to work in animal medicine, and find my passion, and hope to continue to be able to do that at some point soon.

Thank you for the fulfilling and unconditional love of my animals and for the opportunity to save precious lives.

And finally, I’m thankful for the people who have touched my life. Some of them may not have been in the best way, but I am stronger for the experience nonetheless. But, mostly, I'm grateful for my loved ones, be they family by blood, or by association, for my friends who may as well be family, and for the friends I’ve made that I have never even met in person, but am privileged to connect with regularly through the internet. Thank you for the support, kindness, caring, consideration, encouragement, education, commiseration, and LOVE. I may not always act deservedly of it, but I am truly grateful for each and every one of you.