COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS

While watching, I think, the Tyra Show about these people with severe birth deformities, I got down on my knees (one woman who's legs keep growing and growing could never ever do that) and thanked God or fate or whatever you want to call it, for my blessings. My blessings are simple.  BUT  they are blessings.  I can pick up a telephone, dial the number, turn the door knob, go to the bathroom in privacy, eat anytime of the day i choose, wear whatever i choose, feed myself, walk down a street in anonymity, smile and recieve smiles from strangers, not have to hide when i see a police car, breath on my own, drink a glass of water without boiling it first (i hope), get in my car if i need to go a long distance, arrive and return safely, I have hands that can pet my animals, arms to hug those i love, hear the sound of my own voice, see my reflection in a mirror, see the colors of the sunset and the beauty of the stars at night, smell frangrances without swelling up, go to sleep at night without hearing gunshots, wake up when i want to. turn the air condition on when i'm hot, speak to my mother on a daily basis, cry at something touching and emotional, and most importantly, i dont have hatred in my heart for any group of people, am mostly at peace with my surroundings, and feel humbled instead of cheated with my life circumstances.  I woke up today in anticipation of the good that I know is coming my way instead of dreading getting out of bed.  I can go on but the point is these are things I could take for granted but I thank God that I realize how blessed I am.  I have enough to survive, I take trips or vacations by looking at magazines or reading, I buy second hand clothes, I might have to take a trip to the pantry from time to time...and when I start to complain or feel depressed because of things that I lack, like the funds to go to the Art Institute, or just college for that matter, I think of my blessings I do have...and the fact that I woke up on this side of the ground, so I can hope for yet another day and find solutions to the obstacles that I do have...and keep being thankful...Count your blessings, they are more than you realize.