Thanksgiving

I was inspired by another blog to put down some things that I am thankful for. I know I spend a lot of my time critically examining my life and my circumstances. I generally call a spade a spade and have a dry, sarcastic sense of humor. I *do* believe that the unexamined life is not worth living - otherwise, why bother? Why bother with the joy and the sorrow and the tears and laughter and all the wonderfulness and sorrow if not to attempt to put it into some relevant context and figure out - why? Sorrows and happiness mean so much more when I understand their deeper meaning instead of just blowing through them thoughtlessly, waiting for the next season. Further, I believe that better understanding and meaningful contemplation results in a better lived life. Maybe not *happier*, but more thoroughly, meaningfully lived. That's also why I don't read self-help "12 steps to a better, happier you" bullshit paperbacks. The discovery is the evolution.
I am thankful (and let me just say, thankful in 'spirit' to the 'universe' in general instead of thankful to a godhead or other such business) for a good, loving, genuinely selfless and devoted husband. I don't think we have it all figured out. I think we DO have all the ingredients though, and that IS rare.
I'm thankful that I have had the courage to live my convictions, even when they have made my life uncomfortable.
I'm thankful that I didn't misspend my youth. I took some detours, but can generally account for most of it and think I spent it wisely.
I am thankful that I am still young.
I am thankful I have choices and can see things in shades of grey rather than black and white. I'm thankful that I don't paint myself in a corner like some do. I am thankful that kindness and compassion seem logical to me in the political sphere. I would dislike very much to be a political hate monger and to think of that position as the only thing that makes sense.
I am thankful to have and to have had friends who are genuine, caring and accepting and to have known the difference.