Today's forecast is...freezing rain. I must confess this is probably my least favorite weather condition. I mean it's cold, the roads are slick and dangerous and there's always a chance that the power is going out. Bertha comes bouncing in the room...looking like a ray of sunshine in a lemon yellow ensemble complete with matching stilettos...just in time for me to whine about the possibilities.

She politely allows me to vent for about 30 seconds before beginning to point out the things we...or should I say, I have to be grateful for. Bertha is always the first to find ways to be grateful...and she also seems to be the one enjoying her life the most...hmm...anyway...here's her list of things I have to be grateful for, even during...and especially during...freezing rain.

*I work at home...so I really don't have to get out on the streets today.

*I don't have to have power for other people to be able to listen to the Loving Life Radio Show...or read a Bertha book.

*I have gas heat...so even if the power is out...I can stay warm.

*I have groceries in the house...no need to run out...no chance of starvation.

*The children are grown...no danger of running out of diapers or formula.

*My laptop has a good battery...I can still get a little work done...even in a power outage.

*It would give me time to catch up on my reading...and rest for that matter.

And her list went on and on. But you know, she is right. I do have a lot to be grateful for...hey, I have a house with a good roof...and a landlord to take care of anything that breaks...

So, whatever the weather brings, I'm ready for it! And I'm grateful for all that I have and all that I am. How about you? What are you grateful for...even when and especially when things don't go exactly as you would like for them to?

Jane Jane Carroll, RN, BSN, Loving Life Coach, Internet Radio Host, Author "Bertha-Size Your Life" "Where the Joys Are: Bertha's Guided Journal" www.berthasize.com www.lovingliferadioshow.com info@berthasize.com Who would you get if you crossed Lucy with a popular talk show host?  Why Bertha, of course!  A zany redhead, who is always up to something and drags her sidekick along with her while she's dispensing down-home wisdom and perky advice for finding balance and joy in one's life.  Throw in a conniving nemesis, an antagonistic cat, lime green spandex and high-heels and you've got a book that's sure to tickle your funny bone and leave you wearing your thinking cap as you read and reread each vignette.