I'm 32 today.

I started this yesterday and finished today on my actual birthday.  

The thought of turning 32 tomorrow has made me very emotional all of a sudden.  It’s with overwhelming tears brimming in my eyes I write this.  I don’t know why or can’t explain my sudden surge of emotion, but I do know I don’t care all about material things.  As with every year, my gratitude increases beyond measures I thought possible and I’m grateful to be here, healthy and able to help even in the slightest to make the world a better place.  It is my goal, mission and life’s work to leave a little more love and joy in the world.  Okay now the tears have subsided a bit, please find the 32 things I am extra grateful for this year in no particular order.   

1. To be married to my best friend.  My first birthday as a wife <3 Moments are not perfect, things get messy and sometimes we raise our voices, but there is no one else on this earth I’d want to spend the rest of the adventures in my life with. 
2. My parents who have supported every dream and passion, while teaching me to be a better person.   There is not enough gratitude in the world to thank you.
3. My sister, it’s so incredibly hard to be so far away, but I love our chats, facetime and everything else we do to stay close- including drinking wine together via phone calls <3
4. Gabriella Grace you are the light of my life in so many ways; being an Aunt is the best job in the world and I’m so thankful for the joy you bring to each day and moment. 
5. Laurie & Derek for always supporting me and loving me like their own for the last 6 years.  I am so blessed to have the best in-laws on the planet.  That includes you too Shirley <3 
6. Family- My aunts, uncles, cousins & grandpa <3 Thank you for your love and support in all I do!
7. I’m grateful for the matriarchs Jim and I have lost over the last 6+ years, our grandmothers and my great grandmother, who were such big contributors in making me the woman I am.  There is truly no one like a grandmother <3
8. Friends- I could list everyone separately, but I would hate to forget someone in a moment of old age memory loss, so please know from my childhood friends to my SV, Numero Uno, Golden Gal, Chubby Chunkers club gals, NYC friends, NH friends, Spain friends, Caz friends; I love you, I appreciate our friendship and my life is better because you are in it! 
9. Rebekah Faith my running buddy, thank you for being my buddy and inspiring me to be a better me! 
10. I’m grateful for my hometown and the rural setting I grew up.  I wouldn’t change a single minute or moment of my childhood, with the exception of losing a dear friend <3
11. Despite living in a small village, I’m blessed the love to travel was instilled in me and I’ve had opportunities some can only dream of.  Don’t forget your roots <3
12. I’m grateful for my education, I could have never dreamed I would finally attend my dream school in NYC or that I would ever complete my MBA, wow am I blessed! 
13. On a similar note, I’m grateful to love what I do for a living.  Every day isn’t perfect and I continue to explore exactly where I want my career to go, but I’m grateful for excellent mentors who helped me discover my passion and career in human resources.  Find what you love to do!
14. A simple thank you to hot black coffee. 
15. My religion and the foundation I was brought up in, in the Baptist church.  It brings me comfort in tough times and helps me know my life has a greater plan. 
16. My body, yep, I’m thankful for it.  All its fat stretch marks, rolls, jiggling, I love it all.  I love me and my ‘obese’ BMI no matter how much weight I lose.  I found me over the last few years and no scale or test will tell me I’m not amazing.  This body has run 2 marathons and continues to run and bike its way to happiness.   Look in the mirror and tell yourself you love it, and mean it!
17. Joy.  I’m grateful to find joy in the small moments and the big ones.  Finding joy in life is so important and helps us push through tough times.  Bring joy to someone today <3
18. I’m grateful for simple things which we often take for granted….  (#19 - #25)
19. The ability to defend my beliefs without persecution.  Love thy neighbor despite our differences.
20. A roof over my head and all the comforts that fill our home. 
21. Warm clothes and shoes- more than I could ever need- time to donate some with the approaching winter months!
22. A car and the ability to be able to transport myself to and from work.  This is a luxury to so many. 
23. Food in my cupboards and refrigerator.  So many bigger families have so much less. Donate food this winter and holiday season! 
24. Access to health insurance and excellent medical and dental care. 
25.  My health.  Something we should never take for granted!
26. Running.  This has changed my life and I am grateful for those who have started me on that running journey and for those who have joined me.  It truly 110% changes your life.
27. On the same note I’m grateful for biking.  For the fact that it helped Jim quit smoking a few years ago after smoothing for half of his life.  I’m grateful for our ability to ride together and that we enjoy being in nature, tackling the terrain and are always up for an adventure together. 
28. Technology.  A little materialistic yes, but it allows me to stay in touch with loved ones around the globe and for this I am so very grateful.  It’s so nice to sometimes just be a facetime call away <3 it has also helped with advances in safety measures, medical care and so much more.  We need technology and we need the next generation to have a passion for science and math!
29. Laughter.  Laugh always and often.  It changes your mood, your life and if you can find something to smile about and laugh about, something difficult may seem easier.
30. Nature.  Get outside, explore- hike, bike, run, walk.  Enjoy this beautiful world we live in, respect it, love it and nurture it.  Smell the world after rain (like this morning), jump in a puddle, smile in the sunshine, take in the sunset, appreciate and love our world
31. The ability to think, read, write.  So many don’t have these opportunities for education. 
32. YOU.  I’m grateful for you taking the time to read this.  Stranger, friend, family member, etc. thank you.  May your journey I the next year be blessed, fruitful, joyful and full of love!

With love,

Alyssa