A Short Gratitude List

 I think it's time to start working on a new gratitude list.

I did one a few years ago, but I haven't gone back to look at it for a number of years. As I'm getting older (aren't we all?), I have begun to think more about the things in my life for which I am grateful. And under the circumstances facing America with the dictator-in-chief and his cronies in Congress hell bent on turning this country into a fascist state, a gratitude list seems more appropriate than ever.

For my previous list, I set myself a goal of coming up with 100 things for which I am grateful. I'm not going to do that this time. Instead, I'm just going to make a list of things as they come to mind.

• Rain. I live in the high desert of New Mexico. After several years of drought in this normally arid state, we have been blessed this year with a fair amount of rain. Just a few days ago, I was listening to the wonderful sound of rain on the skylights.
• Travel. I have been to more than two dozen countries in the past few years. Each of them taught me something; each of them has left me with some wonderful memories. I have made new friends, including some who live in other countries, as a result of my travels.
• Education.  I saw a post on Facebook about a young girl in Kenya who was able to enroll in high school and go on to college because of the scholarship sponsored by a couple from another country. That story made me realize again how fortunate we in the United States are to have a system of free public education. I know there are kids whose families can't afford to provide them all the clothes and school supplies they need each year. And our public schools have lots of problems. But I have yet to see an American school without electricity and running water, no supplies, no lights, only a handful of textbooks, no place for the kids to eat their lunch other than sitting on the ground outside, and trying to learn in a room with dirt floors. And yet the children in Kenya are excited to learn. I am now sponsoring the high school education of a girl in rural Kenya.
• My good health. Although I have arthritis in my hands and osteoporosis in my lower spine and hip, I am otherwise in excellent shape. 
• Food. Unlike people in much of the world, including here in New Mexico, I have always been able to afford to buy food. 
• My house. I am fortunate to have a lovely home with gorgeous views of the mountains. 
• Excellent medical care. Over the past 2 years, I have needed multiple eye surgeries to repair torn and detached retinas in both eyes. Although Albuquerque isn't known for its excellent medical care, there is a group of amazing ophthalmologists here. I have had eye surgery by four of them. I am so grateful that these skilled doctors are available to save my sight.  
• Financial security. I have enough money to allow me to live comfortably, pay my bills, and look forward to a secure future.
• Good friends. I don't have a lot of friends, but those I do have are wonderful.
• Giving back. I have the desire and the means to give to those less fortunate. From donating money to a variety of charities to collecting food to support local food banks, I am blessed to be able to give. And I am glad that I was raised with a spirit of giving.
• Photography. I am grateful that I have the talent, the desire and the means to take part in photography, and to share my talent with others. 
• New Mexico sunshine and gorgeous blue skies 300+ days every year.
• The love and devotion of my dogs.

This is a short list of 13 items for which I am grateful. I think making a gratitude list is a good exercise that makes me/us aware of the positive things in our lives. And thinking about positive things can make our outlook on life more positive. Studies have shown that people who feel thankful are happier. I take happiness wherever I can find it.

And with the world as it is today, we need all the happiness we can get. So, what are you grateful for today?