Giving Thanks - Much to be Thankful For

Just wanted to pull together a short blog of Thanksgiving for all that 2014 has brought.

I am grateful for everything I have in my life... even though 2014 has dealt me a bunch of downs it has also provided me with an abundance of ups.

I am grateful to finally know what is the cause of many of the strange health issues I have and even with a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (non-fatal, manageable symptoms, and on the radar of some promising research towards a cure) I have found I am stronger than I knew and that I have an amazing circle of people who are there to help me when I have a day that knocks the wind out of my sails.

I am grateful for the personal family struggles that found me as it has reminded me that I have amazing children and a husband who is worth refocusing my positive energy around who all love me so much it overwhelms me some days.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of an amazing team of triathletes through Kyle's Bikes and Triathlon Racers of Iowa.  They encouraged me when my goals remained beyond my reach and cheered the loudest when I found my way to surprising triumph.

I am grateful to have a fleet of remarkable and diligent health care professionals on my team keeping me running through all the crap my body throws and me and the that I throw at it.

I am grateful to have a workplace filled with intelligent thoughtful people who give me a long leash to continue to make decisions that hopefully make a positive impact on the people I support.  I love my job (even when it is crazy busy and things don't go the way I planed.)

I am grateful for an amazing and crazy and loving family and extended family.  They have an enormous capacity for love and I feel that from across the many miles that separate us and wish we had more face time.

I am grateful for interesting and wonderful friends all across the country with whom I share great memories.  May I cross paths with more of you in 2015. 

I am grateful to share this beautiful Earth with all of you and love the time I get outside taking in all the sights and sounds of nature.

I am grateful for every day I can get up (even if if the cats, dogs, kids or husband wake me before the alarm) and start a new day with a smile and drive to learn new things and have new experiences.

I am grateful to be able to see my flaws and be good with the ones that don't matter, and work every more diligently to refine the ones that do.  I work every day to find the calm in the midst of chaos.

So with that I have rambled on enough but I want to encourage each and everyone of you to open up your heart to all the good things in your life, and work to make the things that drag you down better.

Let the people who are important to you know  and be willing to put yourself out there to make a positive difference in another person's life.  It isn't easy but it is so fulfilling.  So with that I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I send you my love and wish you peace.