Glamptuary Gratitude - Top 10 Things To Be Thankful For - 2022 Edition
WE’RE ENTERING THE SEASON OF GRATITUDE, AND WE HAVE A LOT TO BE THANKFUL FOR AT GLAMPTUARY. TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THAT GLAMPTUARY IS ONE PERSON (ME), THIS IS A COMBO GRATITUDE LIST OF PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL THINGS THAT PUT A SMILE ON MY FACE (AND HOPEFULLY YOURS).
I have a lot to be grateful for this year.
Writing this blog is certainly one of the many things I am grateful for, and part of that is because it is a way for me to share experiences and thoughts with the world. Humans are storytellers. We all have stories to tell and the challenge we face sometimes is finding an audience. Which begs the question…do we find the audience first or do we create a story first? I believe the latter is true. And I also believe you eventually need an audience for your story.
I thank you, the reader, for taking your precious time to read the stories I put up here. I hope you get something out of them and if you do, I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with you.
Since starting this blog, I’ve been asked to write a ‘Top 10’ list of Glamptuarys to visit. I feel I at least need to visit (and write about) 10 before I can think about making a list like this. We’ve been fortunate enough to visit 5 Glamptuarys since I started this blog, and we have more scheduled for this year and 2023. Maybe there will be a ‘Top 10 Glamptuary’ list in the future but in lieu of that…I thought it’d be nice to create a Top 10 list of things I am thankful for. A ‘Top 10 Gratitude List’ if you will. So…here goes.
I am thankful for:
MY FAMILY. I wouldn’t be who I am today without my family. I like who I am and I owe a lot of thanks to my Mom and Dad for raising me right.
College Graduation
I’m also grateful for my brothers, my son, and my wife for their love and support. I couldn’t do what I do and be who I am without them. They’re my family and I place family above all else.
MY DOGS. My current dogs are named Kazan and Wally. Yes - they are considered family. We’re packmates. I also feel they need their own number. That’s how special they are.
Kazan on the left and Wally on the right
SOBRIETY FROM ALCOHOL. I haven’t had a drink in 15 months and I’ve never felt better. Well, maybe I did feel better in my 20’s but I can’t say for certain. I can say that I feel more balanced and stronger now (mentally, physically and spriritually) than I did when alcohol was in my life. I found that when I removed alcohol and fully accepted an alcohol-free life, I realized I had so much space in my life to accomplish more. It wasn’t an easy choice to make because I had years of programming to undo. I put a lot of time and effort in to create a new lifestyle. And I’m grateful to be in the position I am in with the support system I have.
MY HEALTH. This is related to number 3 (see above) and is also something I am very grateful for. Everything is still working and I feel as energetic now as I did in my 20’s (when I thought I was invincible.) One thing that’s changed since my 20’s is I know I am not invincible. As an olderish man…I make sure to exercise, eat healthy, and get proper rest. I do this so I can maintain my health. I have a lot more I want to accomplish and see…and I have more Glamptuarys I want to visit. Health = Hope = Opportunity.
MY PROFESSIONS. In other words, the ways I answer the question - “So how do you pay the bills?”
I feel fortunate to do a variety of things that result in income. My ‘money makers’ are my production work and my wood working. I’m grateful that both professions are unrelated. I’m grateful for all my clients and partners in both professions. Thank you for your trust. I hold it in the highest regard.
Which brings me to number 6…
GLAMPTUARY. This doesn’t bring me money but it brings me joy. And, it’s an opportunity to practice skill sets that I use in my personal and professional life. This blog is an opportunity for me to practice writing and content creation, to explore the world, to connect with other humans (and animals) and share in their experiences, to find inspiration, and to share my stories. I’m grateful for the platform and for the audience.
FRIENDS. I have some of the best in the world. I hope everyone can say that. And it’s okay if we are sharing the same people. I’m grateful to be a friend and for receiving others friendship.
TRAVEL. I love to take adventures. They aren’t always to Glamptuarys either. The world is such an interesting place and I’ve only seen a fraction of it. Learning about different cultures and seeing how they live really turns me on. I’m thankful for what I’ve been able to experience and see so far.
VOLUNTEERING. I am grateful to have the opportunity to volunteer for a couple reasons. One…it feels good to help someone, or some animal, or some ‘thing’, or some cause. And two…it’s an opportunity to learn.
I currently volunteer at a horse rescue and I learn something valuable every time I’m there.
The knowledge I am acquiring will be put to good use when we eventually open up our own Glamptuary. Horses are on the list of animals who will live with us and I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn horsemanship while volunteering at the horse rescue.
We’re also planning for goats, chickens, pigs, and whatever else makes sense at the time. And I plan to find volunteer opportunities at farms nearby to work with these animals and learn more - while giving back.
COOKING. I’m not that great of a cook, but I love to learn new recipes. I also enjoy eating other people’s cooking. I suppose I could have titled number 9 Eating…but '“cooking” sounds better.
Which bring me to number 10. I could certainly list more things I am grateful for because as I mentioned - I’m thankful for a LOT. I did say I’d create a 'Top 10 List’ and to stay true to my word…number 10 is…
THE FUTURE. I’m excited for what lies ahead and what part I can play in it. I feel it’s a choice to be optimistic, and not always an easy choice to make considering what we see on the news…on social media…in the streets.
I’ll end with a quote that isn’t mine, but one I look to for inspiration when considering the journey I am on.
“Compassion is a verb” - Thich Nhat Hanh
We suffer together. We grow together. Practice compassion wherever you can. And be grateful for what you have.
Be well and safe travels on the journey you’re on.
I truly appreciate your time and if you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read - please share with your network.
