55 Things I’m Grateful For
55 things I’m grateful for that would’ve surprised me at age 25.
July 1st was my birthday, and I wanted to do something to celebrate living another year other than complain and lament it. I don’t know when society shifted from admiring older people to worshipping youth. The only alternative to living longer is no longer being here. Hopefully, respect, admiration, and meaningful consultation with our elders becomes the “in thing” again.
I had the idea of making a list of what I”m grateful for that would surprise me at a younger age. My goal was 55, as that is now my age. I spoke them to my phone, listing all I could think of. Today, I finally made that note into a numbered list to see if I was at all close to my goal. It was 55 on the nose.
-
I weigh at least 20 pounds less than I did at age 25.
-
I am stronger and more fit than I was at age 25.
-
I do not take any prescription medication.
-
I have not had alcohol in 2 1/2 years.
-
I have visited 23 countries.
-
I have seen Metallica 35 times live.
-
I’ve been married for 23 years.
-
I continue to take classes and learn each year.
-
I have quit far more jobs than I have ever been fired or laid off from.
-
I have written and published 8 books.
-
I’ve been a couple of feet from mountain gorillas in the wild.
-
I’ve worked on more television shows and movies than I can remember.
-
I am 0° of separation away from Kevin bacon.
-
I have met all of my favorite bands.
-
I drive my dream car, the Tesla Model X.
-
I have hosted over 245 episodes of Real Men Feel.
-
I have attended more than 236 concerts.
-
I still love amusement parks and roller coasters.
-
I have coached hundreds of people to lives of greater happiness and meaning.
-
I have performed over 1,000 Akashic records readings.
-
I have been happier each decade of my life than the prior one.
-
I have coached hundreds of people to publish their first book.
-
I have made a positive impact on more lives than I will ever be aware of.
-
More people have made a positive impact on my life than I will ever be aware of.
-
I am part of a 3,000+-year-old lineage of healers.
-
I’ve only had sex with one person for 26 years.
-
I haven’t had red meat in a year and a half.
-
I do intermittent fasting of 18 to 20 hours each day.
-
I’ve adopted three dogs and two cats from shelters.
-
I love to meditate.
-
I am a professional actor.
-
I pray every day.
-
I am a professional screenwriter.
-
My house always smells like sage.
-
I’m a professional speaker.
-
I love to cry at the movies.
-
I get paid for being me.
-
I have been a multimillionaire, and I’ve been on welfare.
-
I still like to play with Lego.
-
I’ve produced and directed award-winning television shows.
-
I sing at the top of my lungs every time I’m alone in my car.
-
I’d rather be 55 than 25.
-
I sold my collection of over 250 Concert t-shirts.
-
I used to think I was a quitter.
-
I’ve seen Kiss enough times to be bored by seeing Kiss.
-
I still turn all the lights off, crank up the music, and dance around my house like I’m on stage.
-
I like yoga.
-
I take Barre classes.
-
Sushi is my favorite meal.
-
I’m more flexible today than I was at age 25.
-
I’m psychic, and you are too.
-
I’ve lost track of how many radio shows, television shows, and podcasts I’ve been a guest on.
-
Physically and mentally, 55 feels pretty much the same as 35 did.
-
I can honestly say that I love myself.
-
I am blessed to still be alive.
***
About The Author
Andy Grant is a best-selling author, award-winning speaker, Transformational Energy Coach, Healer, and suicide prevention activist. He holds certificates in Positive Psychology, the Enwaken Coaching System, Infinite Possibilities, and more.
Andy teaches workshops ranging from energy tools to ebook publishing. He is the founder of Real Men Feel, a movement encouraging men to come out of the emotional closet. He also facilitates monthly men’s groups and is a contributor to the GoodMenProject. As a survivor of multiple suicide attempts, Andy knows how low we as human beings can feel. He is committed to helping people realize how magnificent life is meant to be.