Year of Gratitude

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” 
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh


Last year on the first of January, I found myself in church.  I'll admit that I'm not there much these days unless I am with my kids, but the pastor introduced a book called "A Simple Act of Gratitude- How Learning to Say Thank You Changed My Life" by John Kralik.
Inspired by a note his ex-girlfriend sent to thank him for a gift, John imagined that he might find a way to feel grateful for what he had by writing thank you notes.  To keep himself going, he set a goal of writing 365 notes in the coming year.  Thank you note by thank you note, his whole life turned around.

I read the book, and for a while I wrote the thank you notes...to my boyfriend for time spent together, to other teachers at my school for their help and guidance, even to the custodian at my school for putting up with my "less than organized" classroom.  But I found that even more invaluable were the  #yearofgratitude posts that I placed on Facebook acknowledging the amazing people and circumstances that the universe sent my way.  I have less money than I have ever had in my life, but the experiences I have had over the past year have blessed me ten fold.

For example:
I saw my first Joshua tree.  
My best friend texted me back when I was having a crisis, even though it was 3:30 am.
A Life Coach inspired me to take risks, and find what it is that I truly love to do.
I took the classes to keep my personal training certification, and landed a new job.
I wrote a business plan, and it was accepted.
Someone believed in me.
I completed the Western States 100 miler with the help of amazing pacers and the encouragement of others.
I've watched my kids grow into amazing people that I am so proud of.
My first coaching paycheck paid for my Ironman Texas entry.
I was given a second chance to love and be loved.
I am no longer stressed.
I work with people who inspire me to be better everyday.
The bills are always paid.
Friends check in on me, to make sure I'm ok.
I have a new coach that challenges me.
And I continue to grow through every experience that the universe sends my way.

As I look back on the past year, I am so grateful for every person, lesson and event that has allowed me to evolve.  May I continue to have faith and trust that I am cradled in love by God and the universe, and may I live each and every day as if there were no tomorrow.