No matter what holiday you celebrate (or even if you don’t celebrate at all), the end of the year is a wonderful time for reflection. No matter what challenges you face, there is always something to be grateful for. Instead of writing about my latest restaurant experience (stay tuned), today I share what I am most thankful for.
1. I Am Most Grateful for Cooper!
At the top of my gratitude list is Cooper! This furry 16lb. bundle brings so much joy to my life. He not only makes me smile, complete strangers light up when they meet him. Coop is the world’s best travel buddy, snuggle bunny, walking companion and listener. He never talks back!
Adopting Cooper was the best decision I ever made. If you are thinking of adding a pet to your family, I highly recommend you adopt and not shop. There are many terrific shelters and rescues in the Coachella Valley full of amazing dogs and cats. If you read my blog regularly, you know I volunteer at the Humane Society of the Desert. They would love to help you find your new best friend.
Other shelters in the area include Animal Samaritans, Loving All Animals, Palm Springs Animal Shelter and the Coachella Valley Animal Campus. It is true a pet is a big commitment, but well worth it.
2. I Am Thankful for Travel
The ability to travel is on my list of things I am grateful for. There is nothing better than discovering a new city and experiencing all it has to offer. I am happiest when I am on the road (with Coop, of course!). In the last 3 years alone, I visited Aruba, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Morro Bay, Cambria, Paso Robles, Leucadia, Dana Point, Long Beach, Temecula, Santa Barbara, Buellton, Ventura and Big Bear. How lucky am I?
Travel helps you build confidence, overcome stereotypes, deepen empathy, become more patient and learn new abilities. I highly recommend it.
3. Walking Makes The List
Walking is such a simple activity, but it brings me so much delight. Not only is walking good for your physical wellness, it improves your mental health too. Studies have shown people who walk daily suffer from less stress, are more creative and live longer. I am grateful that I am healthy enough to make a walk part of my everyday life. Cooper is happy about it too.
There are so many fantastic places to take a walk in and around the Coachella Valley. Below are some of our favorite trails.
- Bear Creek Trail in the La Quinta Cove
- Cross Loop in Palm Desert
- Whitewater Preserve in Whitewater
- Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail in Idyllwild
- Pioneertown Mountain Preserve in Pioneertown
4. I Love My Community
Community is not only defined by the place you live, it encompasses all the people who make up your life. I am so grateful for my community. Spending time with my cousins is a blast. I can always rely on a handful of best girlfriends to get me through a rough spot. My uncle has been a rock since the passing of my father. I am fortunate to be surrounded by loving family and friends.
In addition, my neighborhood is fantastic. Surrounded by majestic mountains, it is a beautiful place to live. Nearby is Old Town, made up of shops and restaurants. Whether I am practicing yoga at Gather, grabbing a tea from Cali Rosina or eating a meal at Rdrnnr, those I interact with from these businesses add so much to my life. They have become my friends.
5. I Am Grateful I Get to Follow My Dreams
When I was a child I had two dreams. One was to be a writer. I even started my own little neighborhood newspaper. The second was to be an actress. I imagined winning an Academy Award and designed the green sequined dress I would wear. As I grew up, my career took a different path, and both dreams were pushed aside.
I am grateful that now I am in my fifties, I have been able to pursue these lifelong dreams. This blog was my first step to becoming a freelance blogger, and I can now call myself a paid writer. I am still working on becoming a bona fide actress, but have started the journey with acting classes at C.V. Repertory. I know it is just a matter of time before I find myself on stage. It is never too late to follow your dreams. I am proof!
For 2024, my goal is to practice gratitude regularly to help me appreciate the small things all around me.
What are you grateful for? Tell us in the comment section below.