An article by Kendall Oberto

I have an amazing life!

• I am married to my best friend for over 27 years.
• My two 20-something sons are happy, productive, adulting, independent and most importantly, love me.
• We own a super cozy home with makes me feel peaceful whenever I am in it.
• I was able to ditch my super stressful corporate job for one where I felt like I actually made a difference in the lives of my clients and have since been fortunate enough to retire early to pursue other passions.
• With the help of friends, a wonderful trainer and my own gumption, I have taken control of my health and physical fitness and feel I am stronger at 55 than I was at 20.
• I have incredible friends, not just “let’s go to to dinner” friends but true sisters from whom I gather and give strength and joy everyday of my life.
• We have two wonderful dogs who make me smile; one who can’t wait to adventure with me, and the other that can’t wait to snuggle with me.
• I get the opportunity to serve my community in ways that feel meaningful to me on a consistent basis.
• I can look up at the Colorado blue sky and say “I live here!”.
• I have time for my myriad of hobbies – cooking, needlework, volunteering, golf, hiking, mahjong, and fun with friends. 

My many blessings are in my mind and heart everyday.  I have them in part due to luck, in part due to the benevolence of others, and in part of my own making.  When I consider what I have done to influence my journey, I think of a few tenets that have helped me along the way.

• The glass is ALWAYS half full
• “Forgiveness is the economy of the heart…Forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits.” – Hannah More, Practical Piety
• “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12)
• “Buy the package”, this was my greatest life lesson from my dear old Dad.  Whatever you choose, know you have to live with what it is, not what you hope it to be.

So friends, why do I share all this with you?  I wish to ensure I don’t get complacent.  I recently read a cool book, “Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One”  by Raphaelle Giordano.  It’s about not letting yourself forget the joys in your life and the control you have in ensuring your own happiness.  In keeping with that theme, I have decided to spend each day of the month of May, consciously watching for the miracles in my life, big and small. I will journal my findings.  I hope some of you will join me.

Your friend,

Kendall