Greatful

I know that's not the way that's spelled, but it makes more sense to me that it should be spelled that way. Since today is Thanksgiving it seems only fitting this post be on the side of appreciating what you've got. I think it's kind of insulting to appreciate what you have because some people have it so much worse. It sort of defeats the purpose. You should appreciate what you have because you have it, not because someone else doesn't.

As I've expressed in other posts, I'm not in the spot I expected to be at this age, but in assessing that I realize there were so many aspects of my life I had no expectations for at all. What sort of kid worries about paying bills, being loved, have a work life balance and feeling fulfilled? Not many. They may have plans for a job, a husband and kids, and if you were fortunate enough to grow up in a loving household the rest of that is pretty much assumed to just come with it. I had a stroke and I had cancer, and I turned out alright. For that I am very grateful, but not because it could have been so much worse, but because I got a glimpse of my mortality without much in the way of lasting effects. I learned a lesson most of you won't learn until you are much much older. I had my heart broken, but I am grateful that I know what it is to truly and deeply love someone, and to know that I can survive without them. My parents got divorced, but I am grateful that I know that living in an unhappy marriage is something I never want to do and that life goes on for everyone no matter how messy it gets.

I think I've been wrong in thinking that I'm lost. I know who I am and I know what I want, I'm not in search of a path, I'm on one and I've just lost the patience to keep going and see where it leads me. So as of today, I am grateful that my path has led me here, in all of its flaws it is truly a fortunate place to be. Here is my Thanksgiving day list, hopefully something I can keep with me when I inevitably hit another rough patch:

I never planned what sort of relationship I would have with my siblings, but today I can say that I am extremely grateful that my brother and my sister are truly my best friends.
I didn't plan for work life balance, but today I am grateful for a job that gives me the flexibility to worry about things beyond paying bills.
Health wasn't something I worried about when I was young, but today I know how fragile it can be, but that I am a person that can handle health concerns without becoming a victim.
I wanted to be married by now, but today I am thankful that I know who I am and can take care of myself without any assistance from someone else.
I didn't worry about how many people would love me, but today I know without a doubt that I am loved by many.

I love my family, my friends, and my life-even the rough patches. My life is truly ful of great.