In anticipation of the New Year and looking back on the old, I reflected a great deal on whether 2012 should be measured a success or something less. It's often easy to focus on the loses, heartbreaks and disappointments, but I find it much more productive to focus on the abundance of gratitude and plentiful sense of possiblity. Here's my initial list of things that I'm grateful for today. I'd love to see your list as well if you're willing to share.
- my son's healthy left kidney
- my daughter's depth of emotion
- the Brooklyn Blackout cake at Queen City Bakery
- the breakfast at Kempinski Residence & Suites in Doha, Qatar
- the love my parents have for each other after 36 years
- a completed Dude to Dad manuscript
- impromptu dance parties with my girls to "Call Me Al."
- the West Wing on Netflix...finally.
- holding my daughter's hand as she falls asleep
- watching four generations bake family recipes
- the musical gifts of Chris Thile
- holding my wife's hand on a snowy day
- the sunshine on the prairie
- new friends
- old friends
- firsts - like Em's first basketball game, my first camel ride
- Jiro, Jay O'Callahan and other masters of their craft
- my wife's love of teaching & my daughter's love of learning
- full days watching squirrels
- chasing hot air balloons & shooting rockets
- quick reads & Field Notes
- red shoes
- spraypaint art
- Self portraits by Emerson
- the power of story - remind me to tell you the one about fishing on the Persian Gulf
....A life filled to the brim with possibility
Finally, thanks to Instagram for making a tool that allows me to share so many wonderful moments.