gracias: 365/365

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This time last year I was under a cloud.  I was angry at all the things I didn't have.  I despised my diabetes and the unfairness of it.  But I knew deep down inside that my life was not as miserable or depressing as it felt in my head at times.  I knew inside that I had a great life and I needed to recognize that.

I started my 365 project this time last year as a way to take stock of my life and focus more on the good things and less on the challenges.  Life isn't perfect, its not always sunshine and rainbows - but I've come to appreciate it more. In doing my 365 project over this year I've recognized how important the people in my life are to me, how little I actually need to be happy, how blessed I am to have been afforded the opportunities that I have in my life, and that "things" don't make me happier:

• I am so lucky to have my husband.  He takes care of me and makes my dreams come true. 
• The incredible love, support, and generosity of my family.  They have given me so much. 
• My dog Kona is the sweetest canine companion a gal could ever hope for.  He's a loving, good natured soul who is always watching me and quick to accept hugs and belly rubs.
• Good friends who "get" me.
• I have everything that I truly need - a good home, good food, and nice clothes.
• I have never had to experience the ills of our world - famines, civil wars, natural disasters, evil dictators, suicide bombers.
• I am glad that I have good health insurance and a steady income during these times of economic troubles.
• I am fortunate to have the means to choose how I live.
• We have sinks and bathtubs and showers in our house that give us clean and hot water - it seems so simple but so many people in the world don't have these small luxuries.
• I have been able to experience natural and wild places.  Nature is wondrous, inspiring, and perfect.
• Its been hard for me to swallow but I've learned to understand how finite life is and it makes me appreciate even more the time that I have now.
• I am happy to be living this life in this moment because its a pretty damn good one.