laramie

I like the idea of stopping regularly to count one's blessings. I think the foundation for having any wealth or prosperity in our lives is the ability to appreciate the value of what we already have. I feel blessed in many ways, which I tend to forget because I'm a problem-solver and my problems tend to be at the front of my mind.

Since my back is bothering me this week I'm reminded of how lucky I've been with my health: I can see, hear, walk, speak intelligibly and only rarely suffer from illness (especially lucky when I haven't had health insurance!) I've been blessed with a good genetic heritage of strong bones, strong teeth and a good general constitution, as well as the ability to do well on intelligence tests. :)

My family is one that valued books, and learning, and civil behavior. (I wouldn't have thought this so extraordinary before hearing so many tales of childhood abuse from others.)

Throughout my life I've had some wonderful friends. (I was never really popular, but there have always been one or two people who've been great pals to me.) I've also been lucky enough to connect to some vital communities, like this one, of intelligent, caring people.

I think I'm also blessed with a sense of perspective that allows me to see the long run, and so not let my hard times completely overwhelm me. I've been depressed, living on welfare, near suicidal, and still been able to remind myself that the conditions were passing ones, and to think of how lucky I've been (in circumstances and opportunities) relative to many people throughout history.

When depressed, I've also been able to deal with troubling feelings by writing, drawing, meditating and making music. I.E.: I've had a lot of tools available and the good sense to make use of them. For all of this I'm grateful.