Being Grateful

Today has been a trying day.....
I was hired this past summer for a massage position that was full time, and paid an hourly rate whether or not I have clients, and paid more plus tips, when I do. I got sick around that time, and was out for a bit, and within the first few days of that I was told my job offer was rescinded, and I was kept on as an independent contractor. After I got better, and lack of contact with the company I let that job go (for lack of hearing back from them) and the need to find something greater and more stable. Its been a struggle since then, and I recently got in contact again when I saw that same job being advertised for, and was hired, but only as an outcall independent contractor, and its been slow. I was going to go fill out paperwork for them today but do to conflicts in their schedule, they cancelled on me. I also had a client today who cancelled on me for the second time in a row as well, which was a money I needed to pay a couple bills in time. All that being said, Im on day 55 of my Juice feast, and for that I am grateful. I'm grateful to be in a place where I am working on my health and well-being. Im grateful that Ive stayed 99% vegan (and always meat free) the past 12 plus years. I'm grateful that Im now in excellent health, and tested negative for HIV last night (a daily thing I test for, in being a sexually active human being). Im grateful for my roomate Fanny, who despite her annoying habits is an amazing and loving individual Im grateful to have in my life. Im also grateful for all my friends, old and new, and look forward to spending more time with them, especially my new friend Shayne, who is my Lake Merritt neighbor, and just a half hour walk away (or quicker bus or bike ride). Im grateful for having a skill that can get me by, even if getting the opportunity to practice it, is somewhat limited right now due to the economy and excessive competition. Im grateful for having family who loves me, who I now speak to almost every day. Im grateful for having a beautiful apartment to live in, and being able to have plenty of food (or in this case....veggies and fruit to juice) to not just sustain me, but make me thrive. Im grateful for having a deep Spiritual connection, in being able to connect Directly with the Divine through Meditation and Prayer, and Im grateful to be openminded and non-dogmatic, and to be able to see the Divine spark in all people, regardless of their faith or religion. Im grateful to have heat, and a comfortable bed, clothes to wear, and shoes to protect my feet. Im grateful to be living somewhere I can be myself, and express myself as a queer, genderqueer, outside of the box, living foodist, natural healing liberal leftist vegan. Im grateful that I have opportunities to thrive, and to help others thrive. Im grateful for my passion for helping others, and grateful when others help me. Im grateful also, for having a place to vent here, online, and share my throughts with all those who will listen. I Love you folks! Namaste
John Anthony