Today I turned 53 years old. On July 16, 1992 my Dad died at the age of 53.
I have worried about dying young for many years. Fortunately, I took several healthy steps back in my early 40’s in an effort to beat the odds. Unfortunately, as this 53rd birthday has approached I’ve found myself worrying more about following in my father’s footsteps.

A few days ago I had an epiphany! I’ve always considered myself an optimistic person…Why am I seeing nothing but the negative in this situation?

Four years ago I committed to 365 days of thankfulness. That lead to my Facebook page, 365 Days and Counting and a year later my blog, Conversations Around the Tree.

I enjoyed that year of thankfulness and found myself much more focused on my actions and more observant of those around me. For this reason I’ve decided to seek the positive and resume a year of gratitude.

I hope you will join me on this journey of optimism and while I am searching for a nugget of gratitude each day maybe you too will search for something positive to be thankful for.

I have decided to share each post on 365 Days and Counting and Conversations Around the Tree. Some of my friends never made the transition from 365 to Conversations and I’ve met many new and awesome people at Conversations…..so I will post in both places and hope by doing this more people will find a reason to seek gratitude.

“Interrupt Anxiety
with Gratitude.”
– Life by Guilia