Every year when I reflect on what I’m grateful for, I feel a bit like a lottery winner. This was a trying year in some ways (freelance is amazing for the flexibility, but filled with rejection and not a lot of money), but pretty awesome in most ways (I stress less, exercise and read more, and have volunteer work back in the rotation).
Reflecting on the particular things that make me thankful this holiday:
That I love my family. I’m so grateful that there aren’t toxic dynamics, any fallings out, or any kind of bad juju. It’s love all around.
Ditto for friends. Man-o-man, the best ever.
I haven’t been super productive in terms of published work this past year, but I have lots of ideas percolating and in various states of exploration, which is exciting.
Despite being conscious of money, we had amazing travels and adventures: California, Montreal, Nantucket, Corsica, Paris, Connecticut, DC, the North Fork. Plus visits to Buffalo, Kansas City, Philly and more.
Okay, this should be at the top of the list: Parker and Andrew. Nothing makes me happier than being at home with the two of them. Just doing whatever. Games, coloring, reading, eating dinner together… Love and light of my life.
I’m glad I went to my college reunion, which I’ve only done once or twice before. It was nice to reconnect with people all these years later; to revisit campus; and to remember that I was once 20 years old and had no idea how my life would unfold.
I’ve built new communities and made new friends. Freelance gets you out in the world in new ways.
Podcasts. I love them.
Brooklyn! I’m so happy it’s our home. I love living near the park, I love our neighbors and I’m happy with the community at Parker’s school.
Yoga. And exercise in general. And a healthy body and decent discipline that keeps the endorphins zinging.
The biggest weight of this year are the rising temperatures, the devastation of our resources – both natural and human-induced – and the prospect of losing great swaths of land and natural species. This earth is so magical and it makes me so upset how it’s abused and disrespected. My hope for the years ahead is that I can continue to make efforts that matter and that the world wakes up to come together and take the drastic actions that are so critical.