16. Gratitude Sixteen: the people in my life

Today I am grateful for the people in my life who hold up a mirror to me, and let me see myself through their eyes. Sometimes I believe I would shrink down to the size of a tadpole and simply ... fade away. Because the voice in my head -- my own voice -- only ever remembers how lousy I am. Today I am grateful for the people who remind me I am capable and strong and interesting. Someday I will reach a point where I can say that to myself. But until then, I am grateful for the people in my life.

15. Gratitude fifteen: Someone who believes in me

I have one person who believes in me: Me. I am grateful to believe in myself. I don't believe that I am amazing. I don't believe that I am great. I don't believe I am the best. What I believe is that I can try my ultimate best and keep on trying again and again. No matter how many times I fall or fail, I will pick myself up again and try again. I will never give up. I will always keep going. I believe that I can make it because I will never give up and I will always keep trying. I believe I can can learn from my errors and learn from my failures. I believe this is a great gift, and I am lucky to be someone who can keep trying. I am very grateful to believe in myself.

14. Gratitude Fourteen: resources

Today I am incredibly grateful for the resources at my disposal. I was able to tape myself acting using my video camera, and then watch it on my computer. I was able to work on my story on my iPad. I was able to whip up an amazing batch of vegan brownies. I was able to drive to my audition. All these things I have make my life easier, richer, more interesting, and possible. I am truly and amazingly grateful that I have resources like this at my disposal. A car, a camera, a computer, an iPad, a kitchen, a pantry. I am grateful.

13. Gratitude Thirteen: acknowledgement

Today I am grateful for acknowledgement. When my hard work produces results that other people recognize and appreciate, I am grateful. Sometimes it's like trying to grow in a vacuum. So to get feedback and criticism whether it's always what you want to hear is amazing. So I am truly grateful to anyone who offers feedback and acknowledgement. It may not always be exactly what I want to hear. But that is a different story.

12. Gratitude Twelve: Not looking a gift horse in the eye

Today I am off to Hamilton to act in a part I got cast for just based on a photo of me. I am grateful for the work, regardless of the fact that I did not exactly earn it. Work gotten by excellent auditioning is in a way more 'confidence' boosting. At the same time, however, I am so grateful anytime anyone is willing to count on me to tell their story. I am so grateful. So, instead of feeling like I don't deserve it because I didn't earn it, I will be grateful and gracious and patient and glad. I am so grateful to do work that is in my field and that I get paid to do.

11. Gratitude eleven: The Rain

It's nearly impossible to keep warm today outside. The wind is strong and the rain is coming down in torrents. Chilly. Very very chilly. I am grateful for the rain because it means the winter is done. I am grateful for the rain because it washes away the dirt and debris that appeared once the snow began to melt. I am grateful for the rain because it will nurture the earth and help grow the gardens.

Today, I thank the rain. Thank you, rain. I am grateful.

10. Gratitude ten: my child

I am unendingly grateful for my child, above and beyond the whole 'family' thing. It is because of my child that I am able to go back and have mercy and compassion for the child I was. My child has enabled me to forgive the mistakes I made as a mixed up and lost young person. My child has taught me that I can let go the past and breathe.

I am grateful for my child and all that he has taught me.