What are you grateful for? Do you like your family, friends, job, or dog? Do you have enough food, a roof over your head, or interesting challenges to pursue? Being grateful is a symptom of having enough, of your cup being at least half full. If you’re grateful, chances are your content and possibly happy.

I’m grateful for having a fantastic life that’s overflowing with wonderful people. I have the best friends a human being can have. They are supportive, helpful, and caring and give me a kick in the ass when I need it. I’ve not had much room for new people in my life for the last several years. Since I started on this new path of research, blogging, and the constant assimilation of new ideas, I’ve been meeting lots of new and interesting people, for which I’m very grateful.

I’m grateful for having a partner who has changed my life in ways I could not have imagined before now. She’s talented, intelligent, creative, and caring, and she puts up with me! Thanks to her, we have a happy little nest to call home. I’ve never been happier, and she’s played a massive part in that happiness.

I’m grateful for the life I’ve led and the things I’ve done. I’ve made a small contribution to many people’s lives, from delivering excellent service to folks at work, volunteering, or simply being there to hold someone’s hand or listen to a tale of woe. My teenage years were not my best, and at times I was hurtful. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to become a better person and make up for those early years.

I’m grateful that I’m silly most of the time and that I don’t let serious things get too serious or let them infect my enthusiasm or positive outlook. Being light-hearted and staying young at heart is at the center of who I am and has been one of my most helpful practices. It can be infectious, and I love it when it spills over onto others.

I’m grateful for the challenges I’ve faced, the horrible ones, as well as the ones I sought out. Getting through difficult experiences forges our character and prepares us for even more difficult challenges. I’m certainly not glad about the people in my life who have gotten sick or died. I am glad I could be there for them and others. I’ve had my share of tragedy, but suffering is relative, and it’s not that you suffer, but how you suffer that matters, so I’m grateful for suffering too.

I’m grateful for the amazing future that is just around the corner, the one that is pregnant with possibilities, and that’s only limited by me. It’s a great time to be alive and to live in San Francisco. There’s such a great mix of art, science, education, and culture here! It’s an inspiring place to live and a great place to have new ideas.

I’m grateful to you, dear reader, and I wish you the happiest holiday season. Without you, this blog wouldn’t be nearly so helpful. It’s my hope that some of you out there find my research and writing helpful, that in some small way, it makes your life better or at least gets your neurons vibrating a bit. So go forth and be grateful!