Dear Gratitude Journal :

This is my first post of 2025. Fires, death, and bad news have made the start of this year very difficult. In times like this, I struggle with gratitude, but it’s times like this, I’m reminded of why I started this journal.

So, for today, inauguration day, I am grateful for the peaceful transfer of power. Something I will never take for granted again. I’m grateful for all the people who are actively involved in trying to help people affected by the fires. As I watch my trees sway, I know that my life could change in an instant. And, I’m grateful that nothing is forever.

The end.

Dear Gratitude Journal :

I think Jimmy Kimmel captured the collective energy when he joked that this Election Eve feels like the country is waiting on a pathology report! I couldn’t agree more. Whatever the outcome, I’m grateful for democracy. I’m grateful that every single thing I needed at Costco was on sale today. Even I was amazed by the serendipity. And, I’m grateful that despite some low-level anxiety, I feel zero need for carb soothing…but I did see a LOT of pizzas headed out of Costco tonight, and I will say that I have no judgement. The end.

Dear Gratitude Journal :

Even the a-political have some trepidation this election eve. I’m grateful we have elections, and that we have enough people and infrastructure in place to ensure voting is fair. I’m grateful it’s easier to vote than it used to be. Voting by mail is good, so is having polling places open early. And, I’m grateful I live in California. I have more rights, and am more protected here than anyplace else on Earth. I’m happy to pay my taxes for that.

The end.

Dear Gratitude Journal :

I’m grateful I’ve exercised some restraint when it comes to cosmetic procedures. California is filled with custom faces, constructed bodies, and even though mine is quite imperfect, I’m okay with it being more out-of-the-box, so to speak …. 🙂 I’m grateful I live near the mountains. In times of crisis, no one yells, “Run for the valley!” and I’m grateful for roasted chicken. It’s always a good dinner.

The end.

Dear Gratitude Journal :

I’m grateful I got to see a huge owl tonight. It was hoo-hooing so loudly I could hear him inside! I’m grateful that my neighbors are so complimentary about my garden. I probably wont accomplish anything world changing in this lifetime, so I’m grateful my garden makes this corner of the my universe more beautiful for everyone.

The end.

Dear Gratitude Journal :

Today I asked one of the interns at work what he wanted to be when he grew up. Without much hesitation, he responded, “IDK, I guess a good dad.” I’ve asked that same questions of hundreds of men over my lifetime, and this was the first time I got a response that included a thought for someone else. I’m grateful for his perspective. I’m grateful I’m not afraid to quit. Knowin’ when to fold ’em is as important as persistence. And I’m grateful for AAA. They are very helpful.

The end.

Dear Gratitude Journal :

Jerome Powell recently commented that his approach to the economy was to “Control the controllable,” and even though I don’t normally turn to the Chairman of the Federal Reserve for spiritual mentorship, his words resonated with me as a mantra for 2023. I’m grateful I caught his press conference; there are no coincidences. I’m grateful for my safe, warm, house. There are so many people without homes – without countries – just being able to sleep in my own bed every night is the greatest gift. And, I’m grateful for bleach. IDK who invented it, but it’s a comforting smell.

The end.

Dear Gratitude Journal :

IDK if it is the planetary transits, the unsettled economy, or just my underlying anxiety, but I have felt a sense of unease these past few months, and I just cannot seem to shake it. I’m grateful that I’m at least aware enough to know that worry = too much future, not enough now. If you’re doing everything you can, you shouldn’t worry. I’m also grateful that I’m a hard worker. There’s a reason it’s called a work ethic, not a work “I’ll do it if I feel like it.” Working hard is no guarantee that you’ll be rich, but laziness pretty much guarantees a poor quality of life regardless of your income.

The end.

Dear Gratitude Journal :

I’m so grateful that my cousin came to visit me for Easter. It’s always good to see him, but I’m really the most grateful for all the stuff he fixed around my house. As handy as I am, I only have two of them. Four makes a big difference. Fixing stuff is like cleaning stuff. I don’t necessarily enjoy it, but I feel less anxious and much more in control of my life when it’s done. I’m also grateful all my irrigation and sprinklers are working perfectly. Massive respect for the men who do that work. And, I’m grateful the job market is strong. Despite some tech layoffs, no one has enough people.

The end.

Dear Gratitude Journal :

I’m grateful we are leaving Afghanistan. Ending that ‘war’ is the reason I voted for Obama. Maybe now we can find out where our $2 trillion dollars went. I’m grateful I decided to cut-back my schedule. No one likes to say no, but I just have to… And, I’m grateful the days are getting shorter. I’m looking forward to autumn.