Last September I turned 44. I was deeply relieved, as my year of being 43 was my. worst. ever.
But for all the rich suckiness that those 12 months contained, there was lots to be thankful for.
Thanksgiving seems like an apt occasion for reflecting on the good that comes out of the bad.
So here are my little thank-you notes.
Dear Fatty Bits
Thank you for sticking around so persistently for so many years.
If you had not been genetically, habitually, and psychologically entrenched in my life, I would never have had to work so hard and learn so much to break free of you.
Thanks to you I’ve worked out, in a deep and sustainable way, how to stay thin in a world of chocolate.
Dear Inane Movies
I’m absurdly grateful to you for taking over the film world so that great screenwriters feel good about moving to TV.
If it weren’t for your dross dominating the big screen, the small screen might not have been able to attract so much talent.
Because of your vacuousness, DVD box sets are now awesome and plentiful. You rock.
Dear Bad Times
Thank you for peppering everyone’s life.
It’s because of you that relief feels so sweet, that good times are so enjoyable.
If not for you, I doubt I would go looking for a better way to do something, or a different way to look at a situation. And because I keep finding these new ways, my life keeps getting better.
I know you’ll be back, and I’m not looking forward to it. But I am thankful for the changes you eventually bring.
Dear Stephen King
I’ve never read your fiction, but my feeling of malaise lead me to finally pick up On Writing, your 10-year-old memoir on, um, writing.
This book changed my life.
I read about your writing approach and it freed me to ‘trust the soup’ and be more creative and productive than I’d been before.
Thank you for the soup.
Dear Daddy
I can’t imagine how a girl could have had a better father than you.
I miss you all the time, but I’m grateful to have back the good memories in place of the anxiety and frustration that overshadowed your last years.
I can’t believe you’re gone. I don’t think I ever will.
I wouldn’t be who I am if not for you.
What’s In Your Thank-You Note?
I’d love to know what you’re thankful for this year – especially if it’s come out of something not so good.
Counting your blessings makes you happier, so it’s worth thinking about. Please share!
[Image by woodleywonderworks]
You’re very kind Olga – thank you. 🙂 And I’m very happy to hold your hand as you get organized. Here’s to a wonderful 2012! ♡♡♡
Michelle, Thanks for sharing. My heart goes out to you as you process your dear father’s death. My own dad has been gone 11 years now, and I sill think about him daily. I’m thankful for the many memories, and pray that you will have God’s peace and comfort. Thanks also for holding my hand as I try to get organized. May 2012 be a better year for both of us!
@Vicky: Thanks Vicky. You ARE a star! ♡
@MizLoo: Thank you kindly! I hope the next year is a great one for you, too. 🙂
Awesome post! One of your best posts yet. Funny and relatable no matter what age you’re at!
Excellent take on surviving with a smile. I hope next year you’ll have more “good” thinks to be thankful for!