Declaration of Gratitude

November is the perfect time to reflect on the year that is coming to a close. We are all in a constant state of personal evolution. But rather than diets, self-help books and more resolutions I’m opting for meditation, gratitude and balance in 2018.

After a year of political turmoil and straight-up shenanigans, natural disasters and so much violence, an outlook of gratitude is a essential for my own (and everyone's) mental health and sanity.

I wake up every day with an overwhelming sense of gratitude that I live in a beautiful house; in a safe neighborhood; in a community that cares about each other’s well being. I'm grateful that I have a loving and supportive (and funny) partner in life, and an incredible network of support in both his family and mine. I'm still in shock over the miracle of childbirth and that I have a healthy, curious and thriving toddler and another healthy baby growing inside me as I write.

I am grateful for the experiences I've had and the choices I've made – that I can appreciate the power and beauty of nature, and that no matter what, time continues to move on, giving us all new chances to begin again. But most of all, I'm grateful to express myself through writing and for my health. So as we go into this holiday season, let's all remember the wise words of David Steindl-Rast: "The root of joy is gratefulness. It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful."