On July 10 of last year, I did a list I called Reasons to Smile Today. At the time, I noted that things were not all “sunshine and roses” in my world. They weren’t. I know the list was, in part, an effort to boost my own spirits. Today, my spirits are quite high. I think a new list is warranted.

1. My big boss came into my office yesterday and told me that he ran into a friend of mine who told him that I was “illegally happy” these days. Considering he caught me being the opposite of illegally happy (translate: crying in my office) not that long ago, he and I both are grateful for the change.
2. I caught up with my dear friend Erin last night. It was lovely to sit face-to-face with her, to laugh, to feel understood and to be inspired.
3. When I got home, I did laundry and enjoyed a quiet evening alone at home.
4. I slept 9 hours last night. I didn’t mean to, but I did, and it felt great.
5. I just bought tickets to Portland for my fall marathon. Dave and I are going to spend some time looking around after the race. I’m excited.
6. I’m going to leave work at a reasonable time today so I can make a 6pm spin class at my gym. I like spin classes. Time flies when I’m in them.
7. I get to run the new Lady Bird Lake boardwalk and have breakfast with Poppe this weekend. I always enjoy time with Poppe. I can’t wait.
8. I have nothing on my weekend schedule except workouts and house work.  I was supposed to run a race in Rhode Island this weekend, but I decided that I was trying to do too much, so I cancelled it. That means I have an unscheduled weekend, which is rare for me.
9. On Monday, I’m visiting a writing group. I’ve only met a couple of the women in the group so far, but I’m fairly certain I’m going to enjoy it. These women seem to be spunky.
10. Dave will be in Texas for good in just three weeks. Okay, three weeks and two days, but who’s counting? [this girl raises her arm and waves it like a crazy person]

As today I revel in the sunshine and roses, I’m floored at what a difference a year can make.

I know not everyone around me is in the same place. I have friends for whom the disappointments are fresh, the challenges are huge, and the worries are many. I hope it helps, at least a little, to know that things can and will change. Having been through it myself, I believe that with my whole heart.