I read yesterday that studies show people who regularly count their blessings in writing are happier than people who don稚. I realized it had been awhile since I did this and made a list.
There are many, many things I知 thankful for, and most of them are the usual suspects預 wonderful guy for a husband, great kids, friends and family, a home, my art. But there is something else I think of often for which I知 very grateful.
I知 thankful I live in these times.
Before the Americas were discovered, there was no chocolate and no coffee.
When I drink my morning coffee, I知 thankful I live in a time where coffee has not only been discovered, but is affordable for someone like me. I can drink REALLY GOOD COFFEE whenever I want. Ditto on the chocolate. I am thankful for my 10-pound bar of Ghiradelli milk chocolate carefully hidden where only I and six other people can find it.
I am thankful for aspirin. I cannot imagine a middle-aged life without it. We have not had aspirin very long. I知 glad I live in a time that has aspirin and other over-the-counter pain relievers in it.
And I知 thankful, as a woman, that I live in a time where I can vote, own property, leave my husband if he were mistreat me, and walk alone on the streets. I can drive a car, make and sell my artwork, and talk to strangers in public if I so desire. I can participate in any sport I like, from swimming to kick boxing, from dancing to rollerblading. I can wear pants. In fact, I can LIVE in pants if I want to.
I can practice a religion or not, my choice. I can write my thoughts and post them to this blog, have them published in magazines and books. I am totally free to have opinions and express them publicly. I知 even free to be wrong, if I want. I am free to change my mind.
I love living in these times, in this country. I am truly grateful.
I hope all people, especially women, can have this kind of choice someday. And I hope that day is not too long in coming.
