I figure based solely on my age, that I’m about halfway through my life’s story, give or take a few pages. I’m grateful that I have ownership of the rest of my story. In the early chapters of my book, I was, to some extent, following someone else’s storyline–that’s just a natural part of growing up. For the rest of my story, however, I am the author, creating my own storyline. I choose which characters co-star in my story, and which adventures fill the pages. I know there will still be some plot twists beyond my control, but I find myself looking forward to savoring each new page, uncharacteristically in no rush to get to the end of the book.

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed,
and to have my senses put in order.”
~John Burroughs 

I am grateful for those unexpected moments, when nature soothes and heals parts of me that I didn’t even know were hurt or broken. I thought I felt fine when I headed out for a walk a couple weeks ago, but after soaking in this moment of stillness, I felt a thousand times better…happier, clear-headed, more serene.

When I need something warm and sweet so I can make it through the rest of the day, I am grateful for my favorite Starbucks indulgence–signature hot cocoa with soy milk, extra hot. Mmmm.