the
quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful
Synonyms
include: appreciation, acknowledgment, praise, thankfulness
It
could be worse.
I’ve
said that a lot this year…to myself, to other people, to the universe. I use it
as a personal reminder to be constantly grateful – for the wonderful things
that happen to me, as well the awful moments that make me cry.
Some
moments are more difficult to pull any gratefulness from; like losing loved
ones. I lost a lot of people, this year, who I loved. And whether they passed suddenly
or from a longtime illness, the hurt remained painfully the same, and the
reality of mortality sunk in each time. If there’s anything that comes from
witnessing death, though, it’s realizing the gift of life – my life, the lives
of those who surround me each day, and the lives of Tito Ruben, Tito Boy, Tito
Greg and Mamang – my uncles and grandmother whose lives I remember with great
fondness especially when I look back on the past year.
Like them, we each get ONE LIFE – unless we
are of the feline persuasion, we get one crack at it, and know not how much
time we have to live it. On this New Year’s Eve, I’m thankful for the 366 days
I was given since this time last year to: turn 34 years old, develop new friendships,
challenge myself to take chances, be frustrated with learning something new, be
a Disneyland Annual Passholder, watch my grandparents defy age, have
nonsensical conversations that end up in uncontrollable laughter, sing along to
One Direction in the car like a teenager, take a random trip to Portland, teach
my parents how to use an iPad, organize a huge family reunion, see my friends
get married then have children, spend car rides listening to my sister talk
about school and work and grow up to be someone I’m really proud of, revel in
another awesome Olympics, rise and fall on the condition of the Lakers, celebrate
birthday parties for godkids, nieces and nephews, gain more godkids, nieces and nephews, have dinner with friends that
last for hours, own an iPhone and lastly – I’m just really thankful for the 366
days I’ve been given to BE THANKFUL.
“Thank
you,” are my two most favorite words. It’s my favorite thing to hear, and even
moreso, my favorite thing to say. Gratitude is a waning sentiment these days.
People walk around like the universe owes them a favor. They curse at the
hardships they encounter and are never satisfied with the blessings that rain
on them. Many keep tabs on how often life hands them an unfair hand, and when
good fortune lands on their laps, it’s either too late or not enough. This past
year I learned that everything I receive is always enough (despite a few
momentary lapses in judgment on my part), and sometimes it’s more than I feel I deserve. That is what
comes from just being grateful for everything – you’re never left wanting.
Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with
another year, and for filling it with people and experiences that bless my life
each second.
And thank you, family, friends and
acquaintances for being such blessings.
Happy New Year!
