The reasons....

My cousin Liene asked for her readers to post questions for her to answer on her blog. I posted her the question, "What are the (10) things that make your life so good, that you could die tomorrow, and it would have all been enough?" I realize this is a big question, and therefore decided to not only pose the question, but to take it on myself. It's never a bad time to look on the bright side.

So, these are the reasons I could die tomorrow, and it would all have been enough- not the reasons I'll be content when I die an old woman, because I'm sure they will change. I asked Liene for 10 reasons- I'm not necessarily shooting for 10 myself (it was an arbitrary number) but I'll be very happy to hit 10! Also, these are listed in no particular order.

• I've loved. Deeply, honestly, truly. I know I said these were in no particular order, but actually, I think this reason is in its rightful place. Having loved (everyone I ever have loved) has surely been my greatest achievement and contribution to the world.
  
• I have touched the lives of at least 100 children that I have taught in my teaching career (that counts only the years I have been a paid teacher). There are so, so, so many tiny, virtually inconsequential ways that teachers affect their students every day- except when that tiny thing actually makes a big difference in one child's life on one day. As someone eloquent once said, "I do it because of one child."
• I have traveled and seen the world. Scenarios/people/places/events that I at one point could not have imagined, I have seen with my own eyes, experienced with my own body and soul.
  
• A program I once participated in encouraged its participants to push themselves through the "eye of the needle" and come out the other side a changed person. I have done this- when I left home, relatively young, and certainly naive in some respects, to live in PR China I took on a journey that I could not even fathom. But here I am- out the other side- better, worse? Different, changed. But still me. :)
  
• I have, and continue to, explore, question, and experience my spirituality. I have traveled deeply into this through yoga, which has transformed my life.
  
• Because I value education, I am extremely proud of myself for earning a Masters degree. I surprise myself in realizing that there is some desire somewhere inside of me to earn a Doctorate degree.
  
• I have dreams. I have not achieved all that I want in life. I have LOTS to live for, to strive for. That means I have passion for life.
  
• I strive to live authentically, making choices that align with my values and ethics. I am not perfect, and I am willing to admit that, but I can say that I am comfortable with the choices I make on a daily basis.

It's getting late, and I'm up to 8 reasons... I'll sleep on two more and be back with you if I come up with em.