Wanting What I Have (And Being Thankful for It!)

I will be the first to admit that the tone of some of my recent posts was a bit more harsh than what many of you are used to reading from me. If my 9th Grade Health/P.E. teacher, Ms. Tolefree, was reading them, she would likely say that they were full of "cold pricklies". I do not apologize for that. I said what I felt needed to be said at the time. With that said, I feel like taking a much warmer tone in this post.

It both amazes and amuses me that it took an episode of Burn Notice for me to finally come to a realization that I had been nearing for some time but could never quite reach. Though Jeffrey Donovan's line delivery style takes some getting used to and there are more explosions than necessary, it's not a bad little show. But I digress. There was a line that the show's current arch-villain, Anson, said that really stuck to me.

You know what the secret to happiness is? Wanting what you have.

For so long I have walked the fine line between being a settler and a malcontent that I have not taken the time to enjoy what I have. And to be honest, my life really isn't that bad. It is not perfect, but very few ever reach their own personal utopias. Having everything that I ever wanted would not be the best thing for me. I know what I have and I know where I want to be. I've taken steps in the right direction, and I have full confidence that I will continue to do so both in the short-term and in the long term. But this post is not intended to be a Humble-Brag. I want to share a few things that I am thankful for.

In no particular order, I am thankful for the following:

1. Two jobs that not only are in my desired field but also accomplish my career objective of putting kids in a position to succeed. The bad days at work truly are few and far between.
2. Friends that have the same interests as me or at least pretend to in order to create some of my best memories of 2011 (concerts, WWE shows, etc.)
3. Family and friends who put up with me. I could be described as "unique" at best and "difficult" at worst. I realize this, and I am thankful for those willing to take on the challenge of dealing with me.
4. The return of the self-motivation I once lost. I took hold of my physical well-being and got things to where I wanted them to be. The amount of time I spend in the gym has been just as good for my mind as it has been for my body (at least when I'm not harassed about some nonexistent credit card issue).
5. People who live across the continent that have taken a genuine interest in my life and are there to provide encouragement when necessary. One of the perks of living in 2011.
6. Great music to enjoy and share with others. I have some big plans for 2012 concerning my love of good music and the WWE.
7. The ability to use this as both a medium for getting my thoughts and opinions across and as a release so I do not lose my mind. In this year alone, this blog has been read in nearly 50 countries.

There are numerous other things that I could express my gratitude for if pressed. I truly do not live a bad life. I am learning that while I still have goals to reach, there is nothing wrong with wanting the things I have and finding happiness in it. And for that, I am thankful.