Remember to be grateful

The word grateful is thrown around quite a bit, but there are moments when we are so immersed in our own pity party that we forget how to be grateful and why it is vital that we are. No matter how jacked up the day, week, minute, hour or year may be, there is something to be grateful for. So this is what I am grateful for on April 16, 2016.

I am grateful for the air that I breathe that allows me to wake up each morning because I am not promised that I will. Grateful for family, my mom, my aunt, James, my great aunt, and my many cousins who I adore and who always teach me by example that love and support can and should be reciprocal. Grateful to be Maya' s mom because there are many moments that she teaches me something new about life and myself. She is an awesome teen! Grateful for my network in the struggle to make Philly a better place for everyone, by reaching and touching one person at a time. And in turn becoming a better person for working with them. My extended family in the work.

Grateful for friends. I have a beautiful network that spans the USA and no matter what time lapses between conversations and visits, we always pick up right where we left off. I am also grateful for those who I am no longer friends with because those lessons have made me who I am today and I am grateful for the time we spent together. I am grateful for the talent that God continues to bless me with in regard to writing, acting, making people laugh, singing, dancing, and at times all of the above. Because with it, I am always given the opportunity to truly live and not simply exist.

I am grateful for my open heart. The ability and willingness to love, be loved, disappointed and have my heart broken. I would not have it any other way. It keeps me honest. I am grateful that I  continue to have such great audition opportunities that result in some great artistic experiences. Who would of thunk that my first ever TV experience would garner 7 Emmy nominations and a few wins? And that I would be blessed to be asked back? Or that each TV experience that has followed has been with some amazing folks. Individuals who I look up to and admire. Grateful may not even be enough to describe it. The feeling is such where you feel as if God is not only in the room, He is standing right next to you giving out high fives and hugs. Yes, that feeling!

Grateful for work, improving finances, and a place to call home. Amen and good day.