Gratitude

One of my favorite sensations in life involves barreling down a snowy slope in a blinding storm. Thick gloves cover your hands and fingers, your feet are weighted down, your body in Goretex, your head and face wrapped tightly. Your already narrow view is made further surreal through fogged goggles. It becomes essential to rely on the feel of the terrain. You keep your body slack to absorb the shocks and bumps. Initially, you want to fight the elements to stay upright. Allowing yourself to flow with it is actually the better way to go. Allowing gravity and momentum to take you on its ride is one of the purest experiences there are.

Sometimes, lately, the current economic climate reminds me of this experience. The world wrapped around us seems chaotic and yet, keeping an open mind and staying flexible may allow something unexpectedly wonderful to happen ... to have a vestigial part of yourself awaken.

Making your own holiday traditions is very American. One of mine, although not very social, is to sit in a hot tub for an entire day. Good beer, my doo-wap albums... this is holiday bliss!

What happens is that, well, nothing happens. You think. And put into perspective. You come out as bright pink as the day you were born. Mentally rejuvenated.

Cliche as it might be, this year I couldn't stop thinking about all I have to be grateful for. Things might be falling down around us, but we're healthy.  I've got Anja.  We've got beauty.  I got out of bed on my own two feet today.