It’s that time of year again. We somehow survived another presidential election, the beginning of the end of marijuana prohibition and, finally, widespread recognition of everyone’s right to marry to person he or she loves, regardless of gender. We even survived the apocalyptic end of the world.

Unfortunately, not all of us survived. Some perished at the hand of a madman with a gun. But perhaps we finally reached the tipping point, and things will start to get better and saner. At least we can hope, and try to make it so.

I’m not a religious person, but I still appreciate the spirituality that abounds this time of the year. I use it as a time for reflection and gratitude. It’s sometimes difficult to remember the things we’re so grateful for – especially when times are so tough. But it is at just those times when we’re well-served by counting our blessings. So, here’s my shot at it.

  • I’m blessed to have a loving man and a strong-willed, tough but genuinely kind-hearted daughter, both of whom love me. I’m grateful to have these two remarkable people in my life to love back.
  • I’m grateful for the support of so many people, some virtual strangers, who take the time to listen to what I have to say on a regular basis, and give me the reason to keep doing what I do.
  • I’m grateful for Randi Rhodes for trusting me with her show in her absence. I’m again guest-hosting for her while she enjoys a little time off this holiday season. Not only has this work provided the bulk of my income this year when I really needed it, it’s a tremendous boost to my ongoing efforts to find a full-time job. (I will be in for Randi again Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 26-29 and Monday Dec. 31. If there’s no station near you that carries the show, you can always listen live via her website at RandiRhodes.com.)
  • I’m grateful that the American people didn’t saddle us with President Mitt Romney and VP Paul Ryan. And I’m grateful that so many are making their voices heard to stand up for what’s right – taking care of the people in our society who need help the most.
  • I’m grateful that the Supreme Court allowed the Affordable Care Act, now more commonly known as Obamacare, to stand. Although it’s far from perfect, all Americans will soon have access to insurance, and we’ll have a system upon which we can build to make it better. Hopefully, long before my daughter is my age, she won’t have to worry that the misfortune of getting sick could cost her everything she has.
  • I’m grateful for my friends in the brave new world of internet radio! From Jorge Rodriguez and the SoFloRadio.com family to the group of broadcasters who work with me at RadioOrNot.com (Kenny Pick, Danielle & Shane-O, Jacob Dean, and the others), we’re trying to blaze trails in what will eventually be
  • I’m grateful that so many people who are reading this stepped up so generously when I asked for help for my daughter earlier this year. She completed a summer program that really helped us get a handle on ADHD. We’re still far from trouble-free, but we both learned so much. And your help even made the difference in getting her into a school better equipped to help her through her challenges than the one she struggled in the year before. We still have a long way to go, but I can’t even begin to tell you how much your support means to me.
  • I’m grateful for the kindness I see in an often cruel world.

On this Festivus, instead of airing my grievances, I thought I’d take the time to count some blessings. It’s an exercise I’ll try to practice more often in the coming year.

On behalf of David, Alison, our four-legged family members Sasha, Pooh and Callie, may your holidays – whatever you celebrate – be filled with laughter, joy and love. And may 2013 be the year we find peace, prosperity and compassion for all!

Happy Holidays!