My friend Lisa Winkler  invited me to join in this “blog party,” where we write what we’re grateful for. The rules required we set a timer for 10 minutes and then write.  I  cheated a bit because I could not set the timer  and just write for 10 minutes. I did this in between patients.  They are in no particular order. I am grateful for :

1. My Husband of 30 years, Leroy
2. My children whom I am not allowed to name
3. My mother who is the rock of our family
4. My three sisters
5. My handsome nephews
6. My dear friend since medical school who taught me to be brave and keep myself open to the Universe.
7. My wonderful colleagues
8. For my mentors
9. All my mentees
10. My teachers there are too many of you to list
11. All my patients who have allowed me the privilege to participate in your health care
12. Meharry Medical College for admitting me into medical school
13. All my friends who have have supported me
14. My Yoga teachers
15. Yoga,  for teaching me discipline and  showing me how far I can go if I try
16. Learning to be fearless and just allowing life to happen
17. Farmers Markets.  I love the fresh food.
18. Meditation because  taught me to be calm and focused
19. Being a US Citizen even though our politics is messed up
20. Being an African American.  It has taught me resilience and how to make it against all odds
21. Adele, who gives me goose bumps every time I hear her sing- Reminds me of listening to Phyllis Hyman, Roberta Flack and Randi Crawford
22. Oprah and Deepak teaming up for the Meditation Challenge
23. For PBS for giving us Downtown Abbey, Nova, Grantchester, Dr. Blake and Miss Fisher just to name a few.
24. Star Wars
25. Lupita Nyonga who is just beautiful in every way
26. Viola Davis who is just amazing to watch
27. The Obama Family for just being here
28. President Obama who is just trying to keep it real.
29. Donald Trump who is making us all get riled up and hopefully we will go to the polls and vote
30. Desserts
31. Vacations
32. Family Reunions-All my aunts, uncles and cousins
33. My faith
34. Reading books
35. Harper Lee for writing “Go Set a Watchman”
36. Black Lives Matter – I know but it is important
37. Shopping
38. Movies- thank you TCM channel
39. The Society of Teachers for Family Medcine
40. All my residents past and present.
41. Planned Parenthood for being there
42. Trips to ceans
43. sunsets
44. Neil Degrasse Tyson who has reminded me to look up
45. My new book group
46. My NJIT family
47. Learning to enjoy each moment
48. BBQ chicken wings
49. Chocolate
50. Natural Hair and my new hair stylist