Be thankful.

I just spend two nights at the condo on Büyükada, so I'm feeling rather rejuvenated.
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I will spare the unhappy details of my parents visit (which I fear may be the only legacy retrievable in the future) and only say that the time I spent relaxing with them in their hotel room was one of the most comforting feelings I've had since arriving here. It left me soothed, yet eager to return to my home in America (for a brief stay, of course).

As I find myself reaching month 5 of my new adventure, nearly halfway through my tentative year-long contract, I realize that I have found a more settled, comfortable manner of life. I'm not comparing to my life stateside, but to the various styles I have tried since arriving here late last October. I'm at peace with the life I live, the company I keep, the ways in which I spend my work time and my free time.

So forgive me, but this post isn't going to be filled with new tales of LIFE IN THE BUL. Instead, I'm going to preview something thats been rolling around in my mind for awhile, and I think you should take the time to do as well: A self-defining list.... Not of things I'd like to accomplish in this life (although I have one of those as well), but one of the things I'm grateful for, the things that make me happy. I find this simple exercise can help me rediscover that which felt lost and allows me to refocus and recommit myself to the wonderful things/people I am surrounded by. You might see some of the things on this list as trivial or uninspiring, and thats your judgment to make. Which is the very reason I invite you to try it and be surprised at how many seemingly small/mundane things can actually bring you joy.

1. The first rush of hot water over my body in the shower... making every single tiny hair stand on end.
2. Accidental beauty.
3. Public transportation.
4. The perfect combination of music, rain, and deep thought that can bring about new levels of awareness while riding said public transportation.
5. Finding the right words.
6. Red-orange sunsets disappearing behind a horizon of blue water.
7. Properly functioning hands (written after my hands were chilled to the bone and unable to successfully hold a pencil to make this list).
8. Finding comfort in a place that once made me uneasy.
9. A truly restful sleep.
10. Being told the truth, and accepting it wholly even when its something I don't want to hear.
11. Accepting other people's decisions.
12. Unexpected kisses.
13. The anticipation of a kiss.
14. Really good tea.
15. The look in someone's eyes (anyone) when they say "I love you" and completely mean it.
16. The complexities of human interaction.
17. Remembering things once forgotten.
18. Having faith in something or someone other than myself.
19. Having faith in myself.
20. Loved ones having faith in me.
21. Ali Mete... most of the time :) :)
22. wake & bake.
23. Having a single place, other than my home, where I can "let my hair down".
24. Non-traditional ideas, places, people, things.
25. Movies. Getting lost in them.
26. Family time.
27. Having the luxury of freedom and independence.
28. Knowing what makes other people happy.
29. People and their differing perspectives.
30. Various sized bodies of water and the serenity they bring.
31. Sunglasses.
32. Appreciate and acceptance - personally and globally.
33. Family histories. Family photos.
34. Mealtime conversation full of laughter, memories, and reflections.
35. Learning.
36. ride-or-die.
37. Whispered secrets.
38. New socks.
39. Coloring.
40. When the sky looks like it does at the beginning of The Simpsons.
41. No dirty laundry.
42. A clean house.
43. A cold beer.
44. The curious things people do when they think nobody is watching.
45. Feeling inspired by reeeally simple things.
46. Smeared pencil.
47. Sharing in other people's talents and passions: writing, speaking, painting, cooking, composing, playing, listening....
48. Heartfelt passion and adoration.
49. Good pizza.
50. Your courage, coming in many forms: leaving a relationship, starting a new one, working to maintain love... moving in search of something more - whether its to a new city, state, country, or just a new apartment... dealing with employment in this shaken global economy - starting a new job, losing one and beginning the search for another... gracefully saying goodbye to a loved one... traveling somewhere intimidating... furthering your education/career - continuining studies, internships, overtime for that promotion, new business endeavors... refusing to quit even when it seems you're out of options, quitting when you know its best for you... breaking through the barriers of your circumstances... allowing yourself to be selfish... allowing yourself to love and be loved...

The last one is clearly the most personal to me. Every day I am in awe of the amazing things you all accomplish and I hope you know that even though I'm 5,000 miles away - and in some cases, right down the street - I promise I'm paying attention. I admire you. I respect you. I'm inspired by you. I'm where I am today because of you, your belief in me, and your help for me to believe in myself.

I am completely and totally aware of the wonderful things in my life, and I can only hope you are aware of the same in your life too.