Being Thankful

There are so many experiences in life that help to bring things into perspective.  I was recently reading "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini for my book club.  Now, I know that this is just a book.  I know that.  But regardless, this story is most likely based on many true stories.  True stories of such wickedness, such hate and filth, and hatred towards women and their perception and nothingness.  It truly sickened me.  What it also did was help me realize how truly lucky I am.

I am so fortunate; I have my voice, my freedom to say and choose how I will, to wear what I want and how I want and when I want.  To dance when I want to dance.  To sing when I want to sing.  To wake up when I want to wake up and do with my day however I choose and please is right for me.  I live in a country that does not impose, for the most part.  I live in a country that doesn't tell me that I must believe in a certain thing or in a certain way and how many times per day I must show that I believe.

There are definitely things in this country that I find wrong or confusing or just wrong.  But what I have to remember and what I believe everyone should remember is that we have a good life.  No matter how hard we have it, someone else is going through much worse than us.  The things that I read about which I know happen in real life are NOTHING compared to what I have been through.

I am so glad to have lived such a fulfilling and positive life.  I am glad to no longer have people in my life who are negative and choose to waste their time and energy on being and feeling in ways that are not productive.  I am glad that I have chosen the positive and realistic path.  I am so glad for who I am and who I have been.  

By the way, I HIGHLY recommend reading "A Thousand Splendid Suns."  It is a horrifying yet beautifully written story about another country, another world, and the women and men that suffer and make others suffer in that other country and world.

Time is such a precious thing...

There have been many anniversaries of sorts that have passed and some new ones to look forward to.  December 29th marked the 8 year anniversary of my Dad's passing.  January 4th would have been his 72nd birthday.  January 5th marked my one year anniversary at my Bikram yoga studio.  Without an exact date, Robert and I will have been together for three years this year.  In early May it will have been two years since my friend Jeff Neill passed away.  June 22nd will be one year that I have been a vegetarian......and they go on and on...........

I try to think mostly of the good things, the positives, but it is hard to forget the bad and the sad.  I believe that it is the tough times that make us who we are and help us develop and mature.  I would hope that everyone would be able to learn from experiences past and find something that helped make them a better person.  I guess that is just life and how things are.

It is nice to reflect and in light of recent events and happenings at work this is probably the right time to do so.  What ever has happened in the past has helped shape me and what is happening now will do the same.  What ever will be and will happen in the future will just be and there is nothing I can do at this point.  Just pray and hope for the best for all involved.

At least I have Spain to look forward to at the end of August!