Thankfulness

"December 7, 1941 is a day that will live in Infamy." - FDR 

   70 years after this historic event (Pearl Harbor), I am once again reminded to be thankful. I am reminded to be thankful for people like my Minnesota Grandpa. A quiet Norwegian farm boy who gave up his full ride scholarship to the University of Minnesota to serve his country in Okinawa/Japan during WW2. I am thankful to be able to live in a safe environment where I have a roof over my head, a Christmas tree in my living room and fresh food on my table. I am thankful for friends who truly care for me and family who love and support me. Most of all, I am thankful for the tremendous freedoms I have experienced living in the United States.
   Yesterday I started to reflect on my weight loss journey over the past 6 1/2 years.  It has been an incredible journey of weight losses, a few weight gains, and some amazing physical accomplishments. To date, I have completed (2) 5k's, the 5 mile run leg of one of my dad's triathlons, (1) 10k, and 6 half marathons. I have run some, walked some, completed my Pilates Instructor certification, developed a passion for Pilates, personal training and swimming. I've tried Yoga, Spin classes, boxing and found a love of exercise. All of these things have shown me that I am much stronger and more courageous than I ever dreamed. The farther I travel on this journey, the more I become grateful for the truly courageous people such as my grandfather. People who were willing to make huge sacrifices so that people like me could experience a full life in the safety and freedom of a place called the United States. On this 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, take a moment to be truly grateful for the freedom we experience daily.