Daily: Reflect on at least 5 things for which I'm grateful (Happiness Manifesto #2)

- for solitude

- for love

- for realizing how lucky I am

- for lovely co-workers and friends

- for the fact that the horrendous project I’ve been working on the past month should be done in the next few weeks

- for putting multiple 3 and 4 day weekends on my calendar next month

- for booking a silent retreat at the Abbey of Gethsemani for mid-October (I’m very excited about this! Must get Thomas Merton books from the library)

- for a boss who has showered me with gifts and praise over the past few weeks because she knows how stressful this project has been (and she’s grateful she doesn’t have to do it :)

- for the peace that comes from quietly cleaning the dust from leaves of a plant…odd that such a simple thing can bring you peace but there you have it

- for discovering new (to me) music

- and because it can never be said enough: for love

- feeling more relaxed

- a very understanding boss who brought me a bottle of wine because she knows how stressful things have been here

- fast food – I haven’t had it in forever and a day, but I had Wendys today and it was fabulous. Salty french fries are so good it’s almost obscene.

- last day of this 4 day online training session

- even though I have to work tomorrow, it will be nice to have the office all to myself and to be able to get things caught up

- in spite of the craziness I’ve still managed to get some recruiting done and will hopefully have at least one of our positions filled next week

- my iPod playlists

- A quiet and relaxing day

- The WEBN fireworks (blurry, smoke-filled pictures being uploaded to flickr as I type…look for kikimasu if you’re really interested)

- for contacts who gave us free tickets to watch the fireworks from inside a nice office with HUGE windows on the 8th floor and for providing free food and drinks.

- Doug

- waiting out the traffic at a bar instead of sitting in the car for two hours post-fireworks

- music

- a morning spent reading and getting some errands done

- a beautiful afternoon spent at Pyramid Hill
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kikimasu/sets/72157622133682935/

- a fruit tart and a biscuit at Take the Cake for breakfast

- a new book of poetry

- music

- that it’s Friday and a 3 day weekend lies ahead

- that I have plenty of stuff to do this weekend

- first experience with Cincinnati’s big fireworks show on the river to come on Sunday night

- the knowledge that this sadness I’m feeling now won’t last forever

- for the catalogue full of fun and affordable community classes that are starting soon.

- for writing

- for a plan I can stick to

- for the fact that the end is in sight for the big (pain in the butt) project I’ve been handling at work

- for my stomach, which always lets me know when I’m letting my life get out of balance…knots are a good sign I’m too stressed and it’s time to relax

- for Kevin who helped out with something that would have taken me forever

- for friends

- for gorgeous weather and bright blue skies

- for time to sit and read in front of an open window

- for much needed laughter

- for an understanding boss

- for getting stuff accomplished

- for chocolate

- for cool, clean sheets and they way they feel on your bare legs

- for another beautiful day

- for lunch outside

- for remembering that this, too, shall pass

- for taking three huge bags and several other items to the charity shop today

- for working out this morning

- for a long walk

- for really gorgeous weather

- for being able to have the windows open all weekend

- a long drive along the river

- Pilgrim at Tinker Creek

- for a friend I haven’t seen in a long time popping up again unexpectedly online

- for a spotless credit report (finally remembered to do my free one for the year)

- for catching my cat’s hyperthyroidism and early signs of kidney failure before it was too late to do anything about them

- for a quiet night at home

- for learning to really love myself and embrace who I am

- for becoming more patient day by day (though it’s a struggle, this is definitely not my strong point)

- for awareness

- for a full heart

- for dinner and a long conversation last night with a friend

- for someone posting something about a disease her cat has, which led me to realize my cat may well have the same thing and hopefully we’re discovering it in time to do something about it (appointment tomorrow)

- for winning free stuff almost everyday this week on the subway scrabble game

- for Poetry Everywhere, which is a great tool to help teach poetry

- for moving forward on a project even though it scares me

- the worst of the week is nearly over

- feeling happy and full of love

- still losing weight

- sleeping better

- weather is gorgeous outside

- going to dinner with friends tonight

Mostly I’m just feeling grateful in general right now. I feel good. It’s been a while getting here, but it’s lovely and I appreciate every moment of joy.