Killing It In My Sixties

We have a tradition of going around the table on Thanksgiving and saying what we are grateful this past year. When I look at everything going on in our world right now – I think there are more things I am grateful to NOT have. Sometimes, that is even more meaningful than counting the things we DO have.

I am thankful that:

I do not live in a war-torn country where my babies are not safe from being killed by ruthless militants. I am grateful that I could go to the hospital if needed, without being evacuated or murdered due to bombings. I am grateful that my race or religion does not earmark me for death or make me someone who is seeking asylum.

I am grateful that I have come to the place in my life, where I no longer feel compelled to spend money that I do not have, on Christmas presents that people don’t need. I am grateful that I no longer care if I get any Christmas presents – it’s brought back the joy of the holidays.

I’m grateful that I am not out in the cold without housing this winter. I am grateful that I am not hungry or malnourished.

I am grateful that I don’t have a serious illness, or an incapacitating condition that leaves me unable to care for myself. I am grateful I do not have to depend on a drug that I can’t afford, to keep me alive.

I am grateful that I do not have the pressure to celebrate the holidays in a traditional way or by a script someone else has written.  I am grateful to have eliminated the ridiculous overblown expectations that come with holidays.  I am grateful to have not listened to societal pressure to wait until after Thanksgiving to put up my Christmas decorations – It has given me great joy every minute since I put up my tree and lights.

I am grateful that it no longer hurts to miss the people who have cut me out of their lives. The pain was part of my journey and I hope their choice has brought them peace. 

I am grateful that I don’t have to try to be someone that I am not, for anyone else. True authenticity is a beautiful gift – not caring if other people accept me is so freeing.

I am happy that I do not have to feel pressured to eat food, or drink a beverage that I choose not to – regardless of any peer pressure.

I am grateful that I do not have to worry about my rent being raised – stable housing is a beautiful gift.  I am grateful to not have a lawn or garden to water and maintain. Not that I wouldn’t like to have one but I appreciate not having the water bill and the physical demands of watering, mowing, and planting.

I am happy to not have to convince anyone else of my worth – except myself. I am happy to not expect others to be someone they are not, in order to make me happy. It is joyous to let others be free of judgement from outside sources.

I am thankful for not having the amount of debt I had at this time last year.  I am not debt-free —  but so much better off than I was.  I am happy to have learned to live with less, and to know that things are not necessarily what bring joy.

I am happy to not be experiencing the stomach problems I had last year – not having stomach pain and digestion issues – well I can’t say enough about – how much relief there is now.

I am so grateful to not feel dependent on a number on the scale, in order to feel my worth. With the onslaught of celebrities bragging about their amazing weight loss, (and simultaneously denying any Ozempic use), it takes a lot of courage to be comfortable with our own bodies.

I am grateful to not have to commute more than 15 minutes each way every day. I used to commute two hours each way in a previous career, and believe me – you NEVER get that time back.

I am grateful that I am past the age of having young children wake me up at 4:30 am on Christmas morning to go see what Santa brought, but surprisingly that would be easier for me now than it was then.

And lastly I am grateful that I am not yet experiencing the depression that I usually do during the holidays. I am praying that continues, for myself, and for others who may struggle with that.

Is there something you are grateful to NOT have this year?