30 Day of Gratitude: Weeks 3 and 4

Happy Friday, and greetings from Myrtle Beach!  I am in the midst of my getaway with my mom, sisters, and sisters-in-law, but am already a week behind on my gratitude posts, so didn't want to get even further behind.

I have to say, participating in this challenge has been really good for me.  I feel like I have felt much more upbeat this month.  Granted, I have done a lot of fun traveling and seen a lot of family and friends, which obviously helps, but I also think practicing an attitude of gratitude has helped as well.

The best song I heard today was Your Man by Five For Fighting. This is my new favorite song and I listen to it a lot. 

When I look inside my closet, I'm grateful for the fact that I have figured out how to dress my body and feel good in what I wear.  I'm also grateful that Banana Republic sends me so many 40% off coupons as it's helped me stock my closet with high quality clothes that I love.

I'm lucky that I'm smart enough to figure out how to study for and pass the CFA exams.  I don't like to put lucky and the CFA in the same sentence, but I guess I am lucky that I built the way I am (i.e. very disciplined).

In this moment, the things I love most about my friends are that they are so supportive, always there for me, give me their honest opinion on things, and make me smile and laugh, among countless other things.

I'm grateful that my hands can hold the small hands of my nephews and friends children.  I am so thankful for all the kids in my life.

The prettiest thing I saw today was the view of the Chicago River when I walked along West Wacker Drive on the way to my hotel.

When I look in the mirror, I'm grateful for the fact that I have reached a point where for the most part, I like what I see.

Three of my most prized possessions are a teacup/saucer my grandma gave me, a wishbone necklace my cousin gave me (which was my CFA good luck charm), and the journal my mom kept of my senior year of high school with her thoughts, reflections, and advice.  It's the most special gift I have ever received, and was a total surprise.

I'm grateful that my eyes let me see all the good things about marathon day.  It was a hard day for me as I was signed up to run it, and I struggled initially, but once I got out on the course, my eyes were opened to the excitement of the day and I still had a blast - even if I participated in a different way than I had imagined when I planned the marathon trip.

The things I would never change about myself include my strong sense of faith, my love of numbers and reading, my trait of being a type-A planner, and my love for traveling.

The best thing I tasted today was the grilled salmon that I had the business meeting lunch I attended.

I love going online to connect with others who I would not have had the opportunity to meet if not for blogging.  I have formed so many friendships with people scattered across the globe - I can't imagine my life without them.

I'm grateful for the way these things feel:a warm mug of coffee in my hands, a hug from a family member or friend, the comfort of crawling into my comfy bed at the end of the day, and the feeling at the end of a long run (hopefully I'll get to experience that feeling again in 2014).

I hope everyone has a great weekend!  I am having the best time with my mom, sisters, and sisters-in-law.  I feel so blessed that we get to spend an entire weekend together!  Life is good.