2013: 13 things I am grateful for

I was debating doing a year in review like last year.  However, this year I decided to mix things up and reflect on 13 things I am grateful for this past year.

1. Teresa and the Yteam. No words can begin to describe my eternal gratitude I have for Teresa and Yteam.

2.  Running (I mean how could I not mention this).

3. My summer in Boston. My job and the new friends I made. I am so blessed.

4. New friends I have made. Instead of including names, and photos (and probably forgetting to mention some) I have decided to just add this video because I believe it speaks for itself! To those new friends,  you know who you are. I am grateful for you.

5. Old friends. To the friendships that grew stronger or continued to stay strong, I am eternally grateful.

6. Broadway. I was so fortunate this year to fall in love with broadway again. Whether listening to the music, going to see a show or watching a silly vlogs on broadway.com, it has brought a great big smile to my face. Special shout out to two of my fav broadway ladies: Ms Lesli Margherita and Laura Osnes.

7. Monday night chats with Sandy.

8. My dailymile and other social media friends. Some of these people I have never met, others I have been fortunate to meet this past year. I am so grateful for all of them and their continued support, whether it be running or just everyday life. They have truly become some of my dearest friends, I am very fortunate. Thank you!

9. Belly aching laughs. I know this may sound random, but I am so grateful for all those times I found myself laughing so hard, I started crying.

10. Letting go of crew. This was a hard decision. Crew played a major part in my college life. I am so grateful I was able to recognize that it was doing more bad than good for me and I allowed myself to let it go.

11. Disney Princess Half Marathon. I know this fits under running, but this was my first half marathon, one I will always remember; An experience I am so grateful for.

12. My trips to NYC and Amanda and her family. So blessed to be welcomed into their home and experience all NYC has to offer!
NYC Half 2013 
Brooklyn Half

13. Grateful to have finally started Weight Watchers and tackling the other 70% of weight loss… FOOD!

A friend's gratitude list!

YES! Tonight I received a gratitude list from a friend/blog follower. She said I could share it with you all. Here it is:

1. Catie for being such an inspiring runner
2. Yoga class
3. Weekly swimming
4. My mom sending me cookies
5. The person at Auxiliary Services who owns the Yorkie and let me play with it.

Thank you, follower for sending this to me :)

Please email (cjwthankyou9@gmail.com) or FB message me your gratitude list if you feel comfortable sharing it. Write 5-10 things that you are grateful for that week.

65 down, 300 to go

Last night, I was thinking a lot about how the process has changed me so far. Maybe, it's a complete form of procrastination since the next 6 weeks are going to be HELL. Between the two 20 page papers, the  other papers, tests, exams and races, it is going to be a challenge for me. Or maybe it's 65 down, and I am shocked I have kept with it so far.

What I realized was that the Thank You notes have helped me live in the present. I used to find myself dwelling on the past and freaking out about the future. Last year, was a very hard year for me. My parents got divorced, and I dealt with other personal issues (which I won't go into now). In the beginning of this year, I often found myself dwelling on those sucky things. The Thank You notes, have allowed me to be grateful for someone that day. In addition, the "Rose and Thorn" section has allowed me the opportunity to vent about one thing that was sucky from that day and the rose has allowed me to find a good thing that happened. Finally, "Gratitude Thursday" has given me the opportunity to sum up my week and all the good things that happened during it.

Finally, I have been surprised at the responses I have gotten from people after giving them their thank you note. I am usually given a big hug, a sweet note (via email) about how it made their day or simply a "Thank You" for giving me a "Thank You" card (this could go on forever).

Anyways, I think this is enough procrastination for now. Taking advantage of no classes today to get a head start on those papers!

another note

Today, on my way to class, I thought a lot about how gratitude has played a role in my life. Especially looking at my parents and the values they have instilled in me. From the beginning, (cue dramatic music) my mom was always bugging me to write "Thank You" notes, after birthdays or other special occasions (usually where gifts were involved). As I got older my mom let me just call the "important" people instead of writing thank you notes. Once the internet became more and more popular, all I had to do was send a quick email. Even on Facebook, when people write on your wall, I comment a quick "thanks"(which is usually just a copy and paste).
One of the most grateful people in my life, is my dad. Every morning when my dad gets up the first thing he does is write 10 people/things (nouns) that he is grateful for in his life on that particular day. Every morning! This has inspired me to make a gratitude list every Thursday (since Thursdays are usually one of my most difficult days). On this blog, in addition to thank you letters every day, I will have Gratitude Thursday, where I post 10 people or things that are important to me. Please join in! First "Thank You" coming to you tonight :)