Counting My Blessings

Today is the last day of classes. I have one more class and then a midterm tonight, and then I'm off for two weeks. March 17th, St. Patrick's Day, I will be on a flight at a ridiculously early hour in the morning to fly to Florida and then to Abaco, Bahamas, to spend a week on my father's boat with two of my best friends and my family.

I can't imagine being luckier.

I wasn't tying to spread around the news of my trip to many people. I don't like to brag that I'm going on a wonderful and relaxing vacation with some of the best people imaginable. I also hate people saying "wow" and "I'm jealous," especially when their expressions and tones indicate that they are sincerely impressed. Honestly, for a while I wasn't so impressed.

I am very privileged. I don't own a lot of top-designer clothing or products, I don't like in a mansion, I don't have money dripping out of my pockets, but I am very privileged. My father loves sailing. He owns a large catamaran and is frequently taking us on sailing trips around New York and in the Caribbean. My grandparents also live on the beach on Long Island, close to the outlets but just far enough away from the bustle of normal life. In many ways, these retreats from reality keep my entire family sane. However, when something has been handed to you and you accept it without a thought (or has always been there), you sometimes lose sight on how lucky you truly are.

I'm sure that everyone can look at their own lives and see why their lucky. I originally got the idea from a post I found through a friend's blog. Their lists begin with "I'm alive!" How miraculous is that? You are alive and can do anything that you want with your life. Many people forget that.

I'm curious- in what ways are you lucky?