La Bella Vita... Dankbar.

If I was asked to name my favorite part of Thanksgiving, I don't think I could decide. The whole Holiday brings an aura to life that can only be experienced by the soul that is truly thankful. The combination of all of the different smells, tastes, feelings, textures leaves the senses almost too overwhelmed to make an accurate comprehension. Yet, amidst all the confusion and madness is a peace that is instilled when you realize another year has gone by and you can still thank God for another day of life.

This year I am thankful for many things. I could easily list them all, from the very faintest happenings, to the big blessings that have flowed in abundance into my life. But today I choose to focus on the smaller things. The 'parts' persay that people often forget about.

My legs. I love them. They are willing to push through even the roughest conditions to stride another mile. They are a positive system of constant motion and unfailing endurance. I can't imagine what I would do if I only had one of them. Having two to get me from place to place keeps my head sane, my heart full and my lungs at their utmost capacity. They are short and have many scars. I presume the prior is responsible for the latter. However, each scar has a story and is to me, somewhat like a tattoo. A permanent reminder of a memory, whether I like it there still or not.

My eyes. If I lost all my sense but one, the hardest one for me would probably be to lose my sight. The world is such a beautiful and profound environment. It reaps of constant reformation and cycles that represent a creation that is beyond comprehension. The vision can be interpreted by many vessels in the brain and therefore gives the imagination a chance to soar beyond the realms of the other physical senses. If I could still see, I could still write, take pictures, run and embrace the picturesque ambiance I am constantly surrounded by.

My heart. Not only in a physical way, but an emotional way as well. Physically, it pumps blood at the appropriate speed to give me stamina to live out each day. But emotionally, it stays true to me. It has passion, hope and a vision. It never gives up. It knows what it wants. It's shy and timid, but it won't give it. It stands firm in the path it trots. It seeks God. It loves the world and the people that live in it. It breaks free from the expectations that a heart normally upholds. It is my own.

Being alone is often associated with being lonely. But I find it lately to be quaint and liberating. Trusting yourself and being in tune with the desires of your legs, eyes, and heart is just the beginning of the thankfulness that comes with being alive. Each breath is a gift and until I stop breathing, I will be forever thankful.