[Kenna]

Just last night when I was slipping into a hot bubble bath, I was thinking how much I have been thankful for this year.

The holidays are hard on me to be away from my son...but I have a huge list of blessings, gifts and easy-to-take-for-granted things that make me very proud and thankful.

A peaceful, safe, secure, drama free home that's in a beautiful part of the country, surrounded by nature...
My "prayer garden" where I can find my zen and leave little momentos of loved ones and candles...
My sweet, loving pets...
My son...
My two best friends that understand and accept me more than anyone else ...
My car (named The Beast) that's paid for and has never failed me, and is currently my transport to medical services and my favorite country get-aways....
A filled-to-the-brim pantry and 2 freezers, including bounty from the garden and local farms....lots of homecooked meals...
Electric and plenty of hot water for bubble baths...and my own laundry room so there's no need for trips to the laundrymat.
Chosen family....
(Finally) access to medical care and an AMAZING medical team...
The many positive opportunities I have been given this year...
My little antique shop...
Caring, supportive friends that never turn their back...
An opportunity to learn what I want and need in a relationship and the ability to stand up for myself...knowing I am safe, empowered, confident and encouraged to make the right decisions for a healthy life....
Warm, clean clothes and (NICE) memory foam shoes that help me walk without pain...
Enough farmland to raise chickens for chemical free eggs and a large garden..
The love and acknowledgment that was so generously gifted to me....
Being given an opportunity to do what I want (career wise) and taking time to heal and get answers to medical concerns....
My very fun trip to the Gem Mine and the memories....
And as I told my doctor today...I feel safe here, that makes a difference in caring for myself...

The list goes on...
I've had a challenging year (medically and career wise) but I have certainly " come out on top", learned from my mistakes, made several good, life confirming decisions, been given many gifts that I don't take for granted and have stuck to my Affirmation that I wrote back in February.

I forgot to add...several trips to the beach and mountains for retreats.
And for the first time in over 2 years, I was able to walk long distances on the beach without pain and without help, thanks to my new doctor.