Happy New Year 2009: counting your blessings in difficult times

I think 2008 was such a difficult year for most people in a way that’s unparalleled in recent history.

It didn’t matter if you were directly affected by the subprime mortgages, earth quakes, job cuts, terrorist attacks, tumbling stocks or any other worldwide dramatic event, the mere fact of watching other people go through difficult times affects you.

I know that watching people losing their homes, jobs, life savings or retirement money has really made me reflect on my own good fortune. I think it’s so easy to focus on what we don’t have in times like these and forget what we do have.

I think it’s safe to say that even when you think you’ve hit rock bottom, there is always someone out there who has it harder than you do and that’s why I think it’s so important to give thanks to what you have.

I don’t follow these “motivational movements”, but I do believe in being grateful for your good fortune and I thought I’d share on this first on the year what I’m grateful for.

I know that setting New Year’s resolutions is the common thing to do on January 1^st, but I thought that starting the year by saying “thank you” would be more powerful. My list of good fortune could easily fill tens of pages, but here are a few that really jump to mind.

Krizia’s short list of 21 good fortunes:

1) I have a great team who has been so supportive of the Beauty Match concept.

2) I have some great friends who are happy to cheer at my successes and support me when times are rough.

3) I get to share my views about aging-well with an incredible audience of faithful readers.

4) I get to interview for beauty, health and fitness experts.

5) I was able to meet Candace Bushnell (author of Sex and the City) in person and take a photo with her.

6) I get to do what I love every single day.

7) I learn something new every single day of my life.

#8) I’m healthy – physically, mentally and spiritually.

9) I’ve been able to weather the latest worldwide financial drama fairly smoothly and I remain positive that we’ll all recover shortly from all this mess.

10) I have a home where I can shelter from cold winter nights.

11) My fridge in full and I never go a day hungry.

12) I’m surrounded by incredible mentors who are instrumental in my success and growth.

13) I know I have what it takes to remain strong even when everything around me is shaky.

14) I’m living my goals and dreams and not just talking about them.

15) I live in a country where basic health care is free.

16) I live in a country where as a woman I can be whatever I want and my rights are equal to that of a man.

17) I live in a country that is not torn by war.

18) I have access to clear water every time I turn on the faucet.

19) I sleep in a comfortable bed each night.

20) I have a computer that allows me to open myself to the world!

21) I can take a warm shower every single day.

Please feel free to share your own good fortune list below in the comment box below!

Happy, Healthy and Wealthy New Year to all my readers!