I was born on May 5, 1977, which means I am celebrating my 44th birthday! I have the utmost gratitude and respect for my mom, who pushed me into this world, weighing a whopping 9 lbs. 15oz and measuring 24 in. long (and she says she thinks they cheated me and I was actually bigger)!!!

In my meditation this morning, I focused on gratitude for all of my life’s teachers. Following the meditation, I wrote this poem and a list of 44 things I’m grateful for.

1. My breath
2. My body
3. My knowledge
4. My positive outlook
5. My family
6. My teachers & guides
7. My spiritual connection to Universe
8. My creativity
9. My voice
10. My willingness to listen
11. My perspective
12. My smile
13. My ability to help lift others
14. My ability to inspire others
15. My parents
16. My work in this world
17. My incredible support system
18. Therapy, my therapist and my group
19. RAW (my morning group)
20. Rodan + Fields
21. The abundance of opportunities in my life
22. The ocean and beach
23. HUGS
24. My medical team & medicine
25. My home
26. The opportunity to raise 3 boys
27. Friends who are like family
28. The lessons I’ve learned and am continuing to learn every day
29. Travel
30. My time spent at EKC (summer camp)
31. My years at Penn State…WE ARE!!!
32. People I’ve met along my journey
33. Synchronicities
34. My love of writing
35. Learning to communicate more honestly & effectively with others
36. My ability to set healthy boundaries
37. Being raised to value Tzedakah (helping others) and Tikkun Olam (healing the world)
38. My love of reading
39. My love of learning
40. Human connection and all it gives
41. The abundance of love in my life
42. Nature, its beauty and all its gifts
43. My health (yes, I’m even grateful for cancer bc of the lessons it’s providing me)
44. The future and all the lessons & gifts which lie ahead

And now, for some adorable pics (at least I’d say so)….