This morning I woke up too early and couldn't get back to sleep. I was just laying bed, my dog Denali snuggled up next to me, thinking.
Before I ever start writing, I always think about what I will write and how I will write it. I started a book in September, but it's been stalled because I haven't been inspired. It's not writers block, I have no problem generating a story, it just wasn't GOOD.
Today that changed!
It's an odd thing to be thankful for, but I'm deeply thankful that I have people who say they're sorry when they've done something deeply hurtful. It means they love me enough to care that I am hurt. And that is something to be truly thankful for.
I would have revamped the world by now. I'm listening to light rain of the roof, the sound of instant happiness. I'm snuggled in bed and was almost asleep when I realized I forgot my thankful. And today was a day to be extra thankful for.
I worked 9.5 hours, spent my 30 min lunch in the gym doing yoga, grocery shopped, rode 3 horses, lunged 1 horse, cleaned 4 stalls, cooked lunches for the week, did dishes, worked on my book and gave myself a facial and manicure. And I'm still energized! If I felt this way everyday, I would accomplish incredible feats in no time at all!
Today is one of those days. I feel AMAZING. It sure didn't start that way though! Somebody hit a power pole last night. No electricity so no heat in 26° weather, so I bundled under my down comforter with just my nose sticking out. I woke up every so often because my nose got too cold, but the rest of me stayed warm! Finally around 7am the electricity came on, I turned on the heater and the heating pad and slept until noon.
I got up and since there was no electricity, there was no running water because the lines froze (we're on a well) so I layered up and turned the ponies out to play, except Harmony, who I determined to work. I hopped on her post-lungeing after over 2 months off for her sixth ride ever. And she was perfect. Moved right off, relaxed, like we never missed a day. I have taken this horse from a feral pasture pet to this sweet, gorgeous, willing partner. She did the work, but I showed her how. And it feels awesome.
After that, I turned her out for play time and cleaned stalls.
I was so busy being active and getting things done, I completely forgot to eat until about 6pm. Despite that, I have been completely energized. I got the majority of the cleaning and organizing that I wanted for the new year done, I painted my nails, I did some pampering with a face mask and what not and here it is, 11:30pm and I feel like going for a run (I won't, it's FRIGID outside with freezing fog and I need to sleep so I can work tomorrow).
My body is happy, my mind is happy, the dishes are done, the laundry put away, the bed is made, the horses cared for, the dog is passed out from playing, it's just the best feeling in the world!
I just spent 4 hours freezing me toes off at 26° and arrived home to no electricity. I'm camped in my car with the heater on until I get warm enough to dart into the house and jump into bed before the cold air gets me.
Despite that, I am thrilled and excited. I just spent hours gabbing with a best bud and catching up. I am so thankful that we got to reconnect.
I'm also thankful that I made myself stop for fuel on the way home instead of putting it off until tomorrow, because my toes are quite toasty now!
I'm thankful to feel inspired to write again. About anything and everything! I love following logic and nonsense to new places.
2014 has arrived. Amid fireworks, gunshots, family, friends, or a cozy bed, our "fresh slate" is here. My challenge to myself- and anyone who wants to join me- is to fill my slate with wonderful things, no matter how life throws challenges my way.
The Mission: Write at least one thing I am truly thankful for, from my heart, to my head, to the soles of my feet, every single day of 2014. To feel thankful and appreciate the amazing gifts in my life no matter what happens. Because happiness and health are the two things that matter most and all that other 'good' stuff- well, that's just the gravy on the life I've already built.
My super long list (Starting off right!!!):
My awesome family. We aren't perfect, but, WOW, do I have people to count on.
My friends. How did I get so lucky? To find people who just love me for me and believe in me, even when I don't believe in myself?
Houdini. My horse of almost 18 years. The four-hooved love of my life. Your personality, ridiculous antics, incredible heart and temper tantrums ground me as nothing else can.
Miss Nali, my lab mix. Almost 13 years old, lumpy as all get out, and still happy to bounce around the barn or snuggle up all day in bed.
This very comfy and cozy bed, where I'm still recovering from staying up WAY past my bedtime. And my down comforter. Love my down comforter.
The invention of the smart phone, where I can write and share from almost anywhere.
My happy light. Everyone in Oregon should have one. Otherwise you forget what bright looks like!
My brain. I love to think, ponder, debate and discuss. Knowing that if I don't "get" something, I'm just not thinking about it in the right way. I can't imagine who I would be without that part of myself.
My determination. I don't know how to quit. I may get discouraged, distracted or even depressed, but I can't give up. I won't let myself. It's not in me and I am SO thankful for that.
I could write all day, but I have four ponies and a puppy who want their thankful mommy to come out and play!
