An open letter of appreciation

It was brought to my attention this week that I don’t always verbalize the loving thoughts that I have. Upon reflection, this is true. I think about the things I am grateful for and appreciative of all day long, but amusingly…I tend to be quiet, especially on these topics.

It is high time that changes.

Upon losing my good friend Clint Miller, a lot of things have been brought to the forefront for me. I am making this list an open letter of appreciation of all the goodness I have in my life. In no particular order:

– My health. Outside of some sniffles here and there, I have never suffered serious health issues and for that I am very grateful. I have, over the last few months, embarked on a strict exercise regiment and I feel so much stronger than I have in years. I thank Jill and Barb at Expert Fitness in Westfield for their great facility and motivation…they keep me moving!

– My daughters. They, too, enjoy thriving health and there is nothing more important. Additionally, they are gorgeous (inside and out), talented, funny, sweet, smart and loving. I am amazed each day that such wonderful people could derive from me and I am blessed in the biggest of riches because of their part in my life.

– Morriss. My partner, you are the one that suffers the most from my lack of sharing. I aim to improve my vocalization of my appreciation for you and all that you do for me and the girls each day. You and your son have brought so much love and sweetness into my world and I love being your girlfriend.

– My friends. I am blessed to have a circle of gorgeous, gracious, gentle women to surround me with warmth and love. We hold each other up when we stumble, we celebrate when we succeed, we love unconditionally and it is a rare person who enjoys the bounty of friendship that I have.

– My career (s). So many people gripe about the fact that they work for a paycheck and nothing more. I work hard, sometimes too hard, but I do it with love. My real estate career allows flexibility, no limited income and the ability to really help people. My dance teaching lets me be creative and artistic and free and is a huge stress reliever. Teaching social media brings me joy and excitement…I am a lucky woman.

– My mom. She is amazing. I tell so many stories now that are things that she has shared with me over the years. She is hard working, brilliant, supportive, loving, helpful, patient (you would have to be) and sweet. I love my mom.

– My sister. My first BFF. She and I learned almost everything side by side and although we see the world through different lenses, we continue to share and teach each other. I am so proud of her and her accomplishments and I can’t wait to meet her “little dude” who makes his debut next month!

I want all of you to know what is in my heart. I want to write it here, where you can see it anytime and even if I am gone. I want you to understand that I think these thoughts and many more like them all day every day. You are with me in my spirit, in my mind and in my heart.

I appreciate all of you. I appreciate the beautiful richness that is my life.

I thank the “powers that be” for giving me so much and I will try to make sure that you all hear these things from me far more often.

With love and so much gratitude,
Lesley