We celebrated Thanksgiving this week. I did a lot of reflecting on the blessings in my life and on the many things for which I am thankful. Maybe you did, too. Here is my short list.

I am thankful for an opportunity to share my thoughts and my heart with you each week in these writings. I feel connected and in community, and for this I am thankful.

I am thankful for a loving man in my life — twice. I had 33 wonderful years with David, looking after one another and growing together. Then he passed away. Now I’m in another relationship. With Ray I’m growing in new ways as we look after one another and share this second season of love and life. I am thankful.

I am thankful for an increased awareness of this earth — its beauty, its power, its life-giving force. What a gift, what a wonder! I am thankful.

I am thankful for a good cup of coffee to start my day — not because I need it, but just because I enjoy it. I am thankful for a calming yoga class that challenges me and stretches me and teaches me to center and just be. I am thankful for good books to nourish my mind, to call out my soul, and encourage my spirit. I am thankful.

I hope you, too, have a list, and that you are conscious of the blessings in your life. And I hope that giving thanks will increase daily as a way of life in all of us, and that we will finish 2021 and greet 2022 with a grateful heart.