Glamptuary Gratitude - Top 10 Things To Be Thankful For - 2024 Edition
THE SEASON OF GRATITUDE IS UPON US ONCE AGAIN IN 2024.
THERE WERE THE PROVERBIAL UPS, DOWNS, TWISTS, AND TURNS THAT COME WITH EACH PASSING YEAR. SOME MORE SURPRISING THAN OTHERS. SOME MORE PAINFUL THAN OTHERS. SOME MORE PLEASURABLE THAN OTHERS.
WHAT I HAVE FOUND THROUGH IT ALL, IS THAT PRACTICING A DAILY GRATITUDE RITUAL HELPS TO KEEP LIFE IN BALANCE. THIS DAILY PRACTICE HAS RESULTED IN A LENGTHY GRATITUDE LIST FOR SURE.
IN THIS ARTICLE, I’VE INCLUDED 10 THINGS FROM MY 2024 GRATITUDE LIST, IN RANDOM ORDER, ENDING WITH AN OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK FOR THE FUTURE.
Celebrating my birthday on top of a mountain
1. Entering a fifth decade on Planet Earth.
I did say “in random order”, but I may be most thankful for reaching this milestone.
To celebrate turning 50, I explored the peaks of Aspen, CO and ripped down the mountain as if I were in my 20’s.
Life is full of twists and turns. And the way I ski a black diamond is the same way I approach life. Go really fast. And if something gets in my way…turn.
Getting older means a lot of things, and one thing that I remind myself about after each trip around the sun, is to stay close with my inner child. The fearless, eager, energetic, bold, and bright child that I keep sacred and close. My inner child keeps me young at heart. And I’m grateful to have that relationship with myself.
2. My son got married.
Speaking of children, I also keep my son close. And now, I can officially say I have a daughter to keep close too.
Brandon and Callie
I’m grateful that my son found someone who thinks he is as special as I do. Thanks Callie.
3. Family struggles.
Families can be tough to deal with. And this year, some of my family acted strangely, which made life difficult.
My therapist explained things in a way that helped me deal with the challenges that arose. He said that people see things from their point of view and because of that, they often cannot see yours. He advised that I accept this and not try to convince them otherwise. Instead, try and find compassion for their point of view and situation. And when I did this, I realized that they were not trying to hurt me…but were rather coming from a place of hurt.
I remembered that struggle can be an opportunity for growth. In this instance, it was personal growth. I’m grateful for this opportunity to grow.
4. My loving family.
The family I would trust with my life with, and those that I would sacrifice my life for.
They are my squad. My ride or die. Thank you for being my family. And thanks for not minding too much when I photobomb (which I do…A LOT).
5. The Wife.
Life is more enjoyable with a partner who loves and supports you, and someone who you can love and support back. It’s really all that matters. Love and support.
Just a typical night out. We keep things interesting.
Thank you, Christina, for being my partner. For being open-minded. For trying new things. For going on adventures. For your love and support.
6. The Dogs.
Companions. They provide comfort and joy. Their love and devotion is inspiring. The world makes more sense with them in it.
The sun was very bright.
Thank you Kazan and Wally for your love and tireless positivity.
7. Friends.
“Time doesn’t take away from friendship, nor does separation.” — Tennessee Williams
I like to move a lot. I like to live in different places. And because I move around a lot, I don’t get to see my old friends as much as I’d like to. I’m not saying we are old. I am saying that we have been friends for a long time. I’m grateful I was able to see some of my old friends this year.
Thank all of you for your friendships, and I’m hopeful I can see more friends in the new year.
8. Adventure.
Adventure is one of my core values. I’m happiest when I am out exploring. When I am exploring, I am learning. When I am learning, I am growing. I see life as one, big, never-ending adventure. And I love reflecting on all the adventures I took this year.
I'm grateful I am on this continuous adventure called life.
Reflection and Gratitude.
9. Glamptuary.
Sharing my thoughts and adventures through the Glamptuary blog brings me joy.
Connecting with people through the podcast and hearing about their lives, and then sharing those stories with all of you, warms my heart.
I’m grateful to everyone who has read The Glamptuary Blog.
I’m grateful to everyone who has listened to The Glamptuary Podcast.
I’m grateful to all the people I’ve met through Glamptuary.
Thank you, all.
10. The future.
It is what we make it to be.
The world can feel, at times, like it is spinning out of control. What I’ve found useful, is a daily practice of gratitude.
I thank all of you for taking this gratitude practice with me.
Following suit from last year’s Gratitude article, I’ll end with a quote that isn’t mine, but one I look to for inspiration during challenging times.
“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it” - Thich Nhat Hanh
Be well and safe travels on the journey you’re on for the rest of 2025, and beyond.
I truly appreciate your time and if you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read - please share with your network.
