What Are You Grateful For, Large or Small?

The other day, I was lying on my sofa watching The Sopranos, as one does.

In the episode, Tony looked over at a hospital bulletin board to see…

…this quote on a notecard: “Sometimes I go about in pity for myself, and all the while, a great wind carries me across the sky.” At first, Tony feels thrown — who put the card there and why? — but it affects him enough that he says a garbled version to friends and relatives many times afterward.

As the holidays approach, I’ve been thinking about the saying and sentiment. What has been hard in your life lately, and what has carried you? What small or large things are you grateful for? I’d love to hear.

I’m grateful for the professional photographer at Dave & Busters, who snapped this cute photo of my kids.

I’m grateful for WhatsApp as a way to stay in close touch with our loved ones in England, especially during times of illness and loss.

I felt enormously lucky to have seen Cole Escola’s electric performance in their dark comedy play, Oh, Mary! They’re a revelation, a genius, a firework!

We’re, of course, grateful for family, as well as friends who feel like family. As with anyone, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes, and it’s amazing to have a reciprocal support system.

And, last but never least, this beautiful community of smart, funny, thoughtful people — we’ve been through so much together over the past 18 years! I really hope you are doing well; thank you so much for being here. xoxo

Now, please tell me yours! What is hard these days? What helps carry you? What are you grateful for?

P.S. The life lesson I learned at my grandmother’s funeral, and happiness vs. wholeness.