A Special Way to Ring in a New Birthday

 What do you do on your birthday? Is it a day for celebration? A day where you get to do whatever you want? Maybe eat whatever you want?

This year, I've decided to put together a gratitude list for my April Fool's birthday. A list that includes what I'm excited for in the upcoming year. And in lieu of birthday wishes, why don't you follow suit by writing one thing you're grateful for.

Here's my non-exhaustive list to start my 56th year:

• I am grateful to have completed yet another year.

• I am grateful for the opportunity to start another brand new year.

• I am SO grateful for having hubby in my life and what we share together.

• I am grateful for the loving cuddles I get from hubby every night. And yes, they are cuddles, not code for something else. Get your mind out of the gutter!

•  I am grateful that hubby tells me I'm beautiful every single day.

• I am grateful for the soft warmth of flannel pyjamas and sheets.

• I am grateful that the brightness of the sun and clear blue sky greeted me this morning.

• I am grateful for Kicking Horse Kick Ass, certified organic, fair trade coffee beans.

• I am grateful than I can drink my morning coffee again without discernible adverse effects.

• I am grateful that my knees have healed enough that I can jog again after 3 1/2 years on healing hiatus.

• I am SO grateful that my body can jog for an hour or more every other day.

• I am grateful for the weekly hour-and-a-half walks-and-talks with my dear friend who lives close by.

• I am grateful for belonging to the tribe of like-minded friends of Awesomeness Fest.

• I am grateful for all the friends in my life.

• I am grateful for the people in my spiritual book club. They help me to see what we've read in a uniquely different light.

• I am grateful for the people in my meetup consciousness group and for all they share about their beliefs, thoughts, trials and tribulations.

• I am grateful for leftovers. Not very deep, I know. But I really and truly do appreciate not having to cook a different meal each and every day.

• I am grateful for the bittersweet taste of dark chocolate.

• I am grateful for the lovely spacious home that hubby and I share.

• I am grateful for the million dollar view hubby and I have from our home on the hill.

• I am grateful for all the birthday wishes on this, the celebration of the start of another year. 

 Which brings me to excitement!

• I am excited at the prospect of planting a vegetable garden.

• I am excited at the prospect of planning and building new gardens.

• I am excited at the prospect of finding new ways to be creative.

• I am excited at the prospect of jogging a 10k run.

• I am excited at the prospect of dancing more.

• I am really excited at the prospect of more dark chocolate in my life.

Now it's your turn!