so, one of the funnest and easiest ways to practice gratitude is to make a list every morning or evening (or both!) and just start with five things, or twenty-five things (whatever floats your boat) that you are feeling grateful for. i call this particular exercise count your blessings, or counting my blessings, because i literally number the page and write as many goodies as i can think of. here goes:
Blessings:
1 that i am alive right here and now, in this healthy body, breathing in and breathing out.
2 that my cat, who is 100% pure love wrapped in fur, is snoring next to me right at this moment in an elegant and peaceful rhythm.
3 my friend, Gloria, who completely made my day by being such a generous friend and taking me out to an insanely delicious chinese dinner filled with laughter. also, that she ordered all vegetarian dishes so we could share even though she’s not a vegetarian (just me.) also, that she is the kind of friend who never gives up on you and loves you through all kinds of weather. i looove you, glo, you are a goddess!
4 my pilates practice which reminds me of my inner strength, teaches me patience and compassion and well, let’s face it, molds my body into hot rockin’ healthfulness. loooove it.
5 my husband neil, who is kind and gentle and makes me laugh all the time.
6 the abundance of fresh, local, organic food available to me. growing up there were times we couldn’t afford to eat. now, i’m almost overwhelmed by the quality, availability and choice of foods before me. i appreciate every bite.
7 the unexpected money coming to me from various sources, including finding $150 when i was brave enough to finally clean my room!
8 a job i love, people i love to work with, a place to work that feels like my second home, the fact that my work feels more like play and i could do it every day and not get tired of it.
9 my family, without which, i would literally, be nothing. the backbone of my existence, i am thankful even for the difficult times and relationships, for they all helped me to ‘see’ more clearly.
10 my home, right now, warm and cozy and filled with love and the supersoft abyss of my bed.
11 clean water to drink and bathe in.
12 that i super cleaned the bathroom today, so tomorrow i can enjoy a bubbly soak in a freshly cleaned tub. ahhh… heaven!
13 growing our own fresh herbs and vegetables in the garden. how delicious they are and how much more connected i feel to life and the earth through the practice of gardening.
14 wonderful potluck parties to attend with friends this weekend! celebrate good times, c’mon.
15 thai iced teas!!! delicious.
16 everyone who has ever loved, supported or believed in me. i am so grateful for all of you.
17 stand-up comedy. a true gift. laugh laugh laugh!
18 the clarity and bliss that emerges with kundalini yoga practice.
19 how suprisingly easy it has been to switch to a vegan diet, and how much better i feel that my meals no longer stop heartbeats.
20 that i live in a peaceful, abundant, friendly, naturally beautiful part of the world that i completely adore.
21 the teachings and inspiration of Mary Jane. 
22 art, dance, singing, moving, stilling, being, loving, kissing, hugging, eating, dreaming, playing.
23 the experience of Paris, which i hope to someday be able to put into words because it was so fantastic my heart almost exploded from the profane beauty of it.
24 my friend jennie pregnant, healthy and happy, sharing her first sonogram with me today! ammmmaaaazing!!!
25 passion, creativity, helpful people, synchronistic events, animals of all kinds, the feel of warm sunshine on skin.
*bonus blessing…
26 writing; my friend and companion since i was seven years old, still here for me after all these years!
okay, i’m sleepy so ending on 25 tonight. but, hey, i feel good!!! sweet dreams all. peace and blessings… 
