Today, in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, I’m going to take a few minutes to wallow in pure, unadulterated appreciation. Today’s blog is my version of Oprah’s gratitude journal.

If you follow Abraham-Hicks, you know that being in a state of gratitude is one of the quickest ways to get into the Vortex (aligning yourself with Source energy – God). When we are in the Vortex, our vibration rises, and we glide into a state of Allowing – allowing the magic of the Universe to play out in our lives!

As I ate breakfast on my back deck this morning, I realized how blessed I am to live where I do…on a small lake that is virtually teeming with wildlife, where I can relax among the sights and sounds of nature – geese, egrets, hawks, majestic bald eagles, turtles sunning on a log, ducks of all sorts, tiny tree frogs (who make more noise than their larger toad cousins), white and brown squirrels, cormorants stretching and drying their long limbs, incredible blue herons, and even lizards. In fact, I was thankful this morning for a God who gifts us with such amazingly unique creatures, like that little lizard who changed from green to brown right before my eyes! How cool is that?

I am so grateful to have a husband who, after 29 years together, still adores my 53 year old body…who believes in my ability sometimes more than I do…who takes pride in preparing delicious, nutritious meals for his family and who nurtures both children and animals. I’m thankful that we are able to grow together spiritually, as well as physically, investigating and reveling in the mysteries of life.

I’m eternally grateful for my family – for parents who loved me, encouraged me, and provided a safe home in which I was able to grow into the person I needed to become. And for my two beautiful children, who taught me the meaning of unconditional love. Nothing expands one’s heart more than bringing new life into the world.

Thank you to the baristas who create beautiful designs in the cream of my coffee, the strangers who permit me to merge into traffic or who forgive me when I accidentally cut them off, my principal who believes that family comes first, and my students who remind me about the power of second chances. With regard to my writing, I am beyond grateful for the generous folks, further ahead on the path, who not only clear the way but reach back to mentor and encourage those of us who are just starting our journey.

I am thankful for all of the selfless volunteers who have helped to create and sustain Reiki for Vets and who persevere in spite of our growing pains. I am thankful for the veterans who entrust us to work with them and for the progressive philosophy of the Charleston-area VA, as they seek out alternative healing practices for their constituents.

I am thankful for the millions of little things in life that make me smile and bring joy to my heart, like the smell of coffee beans, freshly cut grass, Bubble Shack candles, and hyacinth, long summer days spent lying on a raft in the pool and enjoying wine and cheese on the deck with my hubby, the feeling of clean sheets on the bed, the laughter of a child, Bill Murray (I know, right?), Dire Straits’ Sultans of Swing, hearing someone speak German, coffee with friends, becoming engrossed in a new book, writing, singing, moments when I sense a connection to Spirit, hugs, boat rides in Charleston harbor, The Sound of Music, thunderstorms, soaking in the hot tub, random acts of kindness, baby goats, Christmas carols, baklava, belly laughs that make me cry, good hair days, rollercoasters, and bonding with our host daughters and their families.

I appreciate the chance to live another year…enjoy another Thanksgiving holiday…

In closing, I’d like to express how appreciative I am for all of YOU who take the time to read (and interact with) my posts each week!

If you are so inspired, please leave a comment below and tell others what you are thankful for this holiday season!