Okay, 2006 is coming to a close. Like every year, it has been filled with many events - some more welcome than others. There are many people here facing trying times. However, sometimes it is good to look for the blessings we have received.

This is a thread for just that. A thread to help you enter the new year with hope in your heart. Remember that even little things can be a blessing.

What has happened this year to bless you?

The biggest blessing for me this year was my marriage finally being in recovery.

These are not in order:

1) I finally bit the bullet and got a new heating/cooling system for my house. Friends and family have kept my old one functioning for several years.

2) My daughter hasn't cut herself in over a year.

3) I see signs of maturation in my son.

4) I am in a less stressful job than this time last year.

5) Everyone is still healthy. Our mental health is better than last year. We are all 3 in good physical health. The epidural steroid injection in my neck has improved how I feel. I am hopeful that physical therapy will help. (I prefer to avoid neurosurgery and am grateful that the neurosurgeon did not tell me it was imminent.)

6) My mom is well physically though not as well as I would like in some aspects. Her depression and age seriously impact her memory. She still blames me for the things that have resulted in the estrangement between my sister and me though she understands that I had to take care of my daughter.

7) I had a good talk with my nephew a few weeks ago and believe we are in a state of forgiveness and peace.

8) I live in America. Though not a perfect land, it's pretty fabulous.

9) I have a home and clothes and transportation.

10) I have a church family where I am loved and counted on. Even greater than that, I know God loves me and is always there.

11) I have 2 wonderful children. And they are growing up well.

12) My relationship with my x is better than it has been in years. And my relationship with his wife (who was not in the picture at the time of our divorce) is good, also.

1. My son. I honestly don't know where I'd be without him. He teaches me so much and his love and presence is a blessing to me.

2. My son and I had a healthy 2006.

3. I got a secure job I love with great benefits in 2006.

4. I have a house, clothing, food, a job, a car, family and friends.

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

My faith has grown by leaps and bounds.

I can love my H even after seeing his faults.

My children are all healthy.

We're moving forward.

I have more confidence in myself...more than I ever did, in fact.

I'm not afraid of dying anymore...see first blessing above.

I'm just not afraid anymore.

ps: I made a bunch of new, wonderful friends. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

What???

Has no one else found any blessings?

My wonderful children who have grown so much these last several months are truly a blessing to me-and I got to add my special son-in-law to that group this year.

I am also blessed by wonderful friends at my church, in my family, here at MB and at work-who care for me and lift me up in prayer.

My sweet Jack Russell-Idgie- who has become my recovery companion and blesses me with her warm body next to mine every time I sit to read or lay down to rest.

First and foremost, progress in recovering our M. The last few days/weeks have had more happy, contented times together than not, by far.

Our children have each made major life strides, reaching for new goals. One even seems to have successfully "launched"!

H and I made progress towards some important financial goals. We are working together to avoid chaos in this area.

I made huge progress in health and fitness, most of it the first few months of the year. And the end of the year saw insurance approval of plastic surgery needed after my weight loss. So that is coming for 2007.

It occurs to me that those are mostly things I DID or someone else DID, blessings following from choices. But there were many others, "gifts" of the year, if you will.

My family was provided with every material need and many wants.
Most stayed relatively healthy, and all were given opportunities for great new things in life.
We saw new parts of the world, read books, and had the freedom to make choices in life.