And this.

My latest mantra after being sick for a week has been … “and this.”

Still, I am thankful for the illness that opened my eyes a little bit bigger, for the kindness I’m giving myself, for the ever-so-slight slower pace my body is moving.

You can be thankful, too.

For that someone or something that entered your life and graced it with sunshine or beauty or smiles or tears. Whatever it was, whoever it was … thank them. Write them a note, send it in a bottle or send it blowing in the wind on a leaf. Write them a poem. Give him a line in your gratitude journal. Name a star for her.

For that life changing moment that left you sobbing on the floor. Practice a touch of grace because it’s making you that much stronger.

For the extra work, the extra project, the filled-up calendar … be thankful. That’s YOUR life you’re living.

For the free night, the filled night, the busy night, the imperfect night, say a little prayer for the power of closure — and for how the sun rises to give us a new day each day.

For the illness that puts everything into perspective, thank it as well. It has given you a renewal like no other.

For the days when no one calls, no one emails, no one sends a Facebook message, or retweets your tweets … say yes to the strong confidence you are demonstrating. Say yes to the solitude. Say yes to the pause.

For the days you feel like you are doing it all or can’t do it all. For the days that just tear you up inside and leave you shaking your head in disbelief or anger. Especially anger.

Say it with me.

I am grateful.

What crazy life experience are you grateful for today? Please share!