My mom tells the following story about me that illustrates perfectly my gratitude for this week.

Living in Austin, they brought me and my brother to Barton Springs pool for the first time. I ran up to the railings that overlook the natural wonder (pictured in case you haven’t seen it for yourself but NONE of these images do justice to the grandeur that is the pool) and, a waterbaby taken aback by the beauty and massive size of the pool, yelled at the top of my lungs:

“WHOA!!!!”

“Look, mama!!! LOOK HOW BIG IT IS!!!”

Or something to that effect.

If you know me, you know that I have powerful lungs. I laugh loud enough to wake up sleeping roommates. I find it tough to whisper. I wanted to be an actress.

So me, at 6 years old, yelling in awe, was not likely a quiet affair.

My mom struggled with shushing me and preserving the sanctity of the experience for the people around us, or letting me be an excited, enthusiastic child expressing absolute awe—thankfully, she chose the latter. And to this day, I am allowed (encouraged!) to express enthusiasm.

And so. I am grateful for that. But I am also grateful for the health that allows me to explore such vistas, to maintain such energy, to expend enthusiasm and experience awe. Physical health, mental health, emotional health, I am grateful for it all.

Feel Good Friday is a gratitude list keying in on one thing each week I’m incredibly grateful for, including a list where necessary. Join me and leave anything you are grateful for in the comments. Click here for last week’s gratitude post.