The Grateful Thread

Today I'm grateful for warm winter clothing. I'll probably be thankful for that a lot in the coming months but today it was more necessary than I'd have liked.

I'm grateful that public transit has heating. I left my apartment with a hoodie and it was 10 degrees Celsius (I was fine), but then the temp dropped to 0 and it started snowing pretty hard.

I'm grateful that train platforms have heat lamps to stand under.

I'm grateful for my coat despite the fact that it doesn't fit me right.

As much as my patience is constantly tested by them, I am grateful to have a neighbor who helps me get certain important things done. For that, I do my best to set aside my differences.

Not dependence... Interdependence.

(grateful for my rant) :blush:

I am grateful for chat and everyone that goes there.

I'm very grateful for irony, and how it makes things that would otherwise just suck kinda funny ...

For many years after I came out to my (conservative Christian) parents, they saw me as a sinner doomed to a life of hopelessness and alienation. They didn't recognize the peace and happiness that coming to terms with who I was and living openly and honestly brought me because they had been told by their spiritual leaders that being gay was immoral and equated to general misfortune, obligatory promiscuity, and endless suffering (in life and death).

I used to really dislike this time of year. The holidays, at least in part, are meant to bring us together, but for many years my sexuality was the focus of holiday events, during which family members worked tirelessly to prove that their fear and frustration was warranted (even required to 'save my soul'). They'd convinced themselves that their lack of understanding was somehow compassionate and that their truths were universal.

Things change. People change. Even the most hardheaded or stubborn people are capable of seeing things from other angles if you continue to share your own truths, extend your love, and give them time to adjust to new ways of thinking. I know this because last year my entire family attended my wedding. It was a beautiful day that helped heal some of the pain that I and other family members had been feeling for a long time.

I am grateful for the fact that all of us have the ability to change our minds and transform our perspectives. I am also grateful that I live in a place where it's not a criminal act for people to love who they want and be who they are. The world is steadily becoming more open-minded and accepting - not only of LGBT individuals like myself, but also of those who are in some way different from the established 'norm'.

My 21 year old cousin came out recently and it wasn't a big deal. Everyone in the family was very supportive and as far as I know it hasn't been an issue at all. It might be an understatement to say that this was a welcome change. I was happy to have been able to help pave the way for him to grow into himself without feeling the shame, self-hatred, and depression that I did.

Often it just takes a single one of us to change the minds of many. I am grateful that so many of us in this community understand this truth.

I'm grateful for storms that blow away the cobwebs so we see clearly

Today I am grateful for yoga... it helps me find the peace I cannot find elsewhere.

Just wanted to say, I love you guys - and I'm here if any of you need someone.