Today in the US, it’s Thanksgiving so I’m going to share what I’m thankful for this year. Those of you not in the US, I’m sure it gets tiresome listening to us go on about being thankful every late November because really, shouldn’t we be thankful a little more frequently? Well, yes, we should. However, I don’t think it hurts to actually stop and think about it. As we head into the end of the year and facing the beginning of a new year, it doesn’t hurt to contemplate what we can be thankful for.
I know that many of us have had some very rough times the past almost two years now. I’m certainly not ignoring that but I think I can come up with some things to be grateful for.
So here goes my list.
Family
First of all, I’m so happy that my son and his wife now live close by. It’s a pleasure to be able to see them more often than when I had to drive seven hours to visit.
Also related to family is that I didn’t have to make any emergency trips to help someone out this year. I’m sad about that in a way because both of my parents passed away last year. They were the ones who usually needed help. I certainly miss them. It was good, however, not to have to make those frantic, last-minute trips.
I went on several camping trips this past summer and had some wonderful times. My trip to West Virginia was fantastic. That’s where I experienced a Zip Line for the first time.
Becoming Elli
I’m grateful that the Becoming Elli community is growing. Our podcast, Fit Strong Women over 50 is going well and I love the people we interviewed this past year. We have some momentum going, I think, so I expect next year to be even better.
Fitness
I’m thankful that I was able to run a half marathon this year. I accomplished that goal by trying a new style of running. This time I used a run-walk routine. I was not fast but I finished the race and was not injured.
I also managed to continue with my strength training this year. Perhaps not as strenuously as I would have liked but I kept at it.
My gym also managed to remain open for which I’m very grateful.
I’m also thankful that I was able to return to my bootcamp class without too much difficulty. I certainly identified some areas that I need to work on but I was pleased that I made it through my class.
I’ve also been able to do some of my indoor bike rides using Zwift. I’m certainly thankful that I’m able to make it through my rides even if, once again, I’m not very fast.
Penny
Penny continues to be a great companion for me. She is learning to run with me but it’s still a challenge. She’s easily distracted by squirrels and fascinating smells. She is a lot of fun to have around. She is such a happy soul that even if she never really runs with me for any distance, I enjoy having her.
Feel free to share what you’re thankful for this year. Have a happy Thanksgiving.