We polled celebs, writers, and other famous folks and asked what they’re grateful for, what scared them most, and more. Here are their intimate answers.
I’m most grateful for…
“For my good health!” — Scarlett Johansson, starring in The Spirit, out December 2008
“When our daughter, Audrey, was born seven weeks early right before Christmas and was healthy.” — Grammy-winner Tim McGraw, appearing in the movie Four Christmases
“When you’re diagnosed with breast cancer it really makes you stop and think about what is important in life. I’m grateful for every new, healthy day I have and for early detection, which I believe is the reason I am still here and stronger than before!” — Olivia Newton-John, singer and partner with Curves in launching the Liv Aid, a breast self-exam aid that helps women do breast self-exams correctly
“To be able to wake up in the morning and do the job that you love? And to be able to live from it, too? I am so grateful.” — Penélope Cruz
“I am grateful that I have my healthy, wonderful children.” — Lori Loughlin, 90210
“I feel the most grateful every day when I meditate or do yoga or eat a beautiful, delicious, cruelty-free meal made from plant-based foods. These things remind me of how fortunate I am and how healthy I feel.” — Alicia Silverstone
“It may seem strange, but the most grateful I’ve ever felt was when I was held up at gunpoint. After I handed over my wallet and the mugger ran off into the woods, I thought, Thank you for not shooting me. I was overwhelmingly glad to be alive and unharmed.” — Juliana Hatfield, musician (her latest CD is How to Walk Away) and author of the memoir When I Grow Up
“After my horrible divorce had finally settled, I took a train up the coast to Cinque Terre in Italy. I bought a simple lunch of octopus salad and fresh bread. And I hiked to a beautiful remote spot, found a rock near the waves, and sat alone in the sun eating. My joy at this was so disproportionate to the simplicity of the setting (cold salad, a hunk of bread, a rock, and sunlight) that you could call it euphoria. My gratitude was immense, because I realized that I had pulled through a period of dark years and depression, and now a new life was opening for me.” — Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love
“The second my son was born. Because I had cancer, I was unable to carry my own child and we had to have a surrogate. I will never be as grateful to or for anything as I am for my son and the woman who carried him.” — Marissa Jaret Winokur, Tony award–winning actress and television personality
“When my grandmother, who I was very close with, died about six years ago, she left some money to her offspring and grandchildren. It came when I was in the midst of a nasty divorce, and I was financially strapped. I was thinking, I’m going to end up homeless in a shelter with my kids. It felt like some angel came down and plucked me out of that mess. I feel like she knew and she was there. I was grateful that she had planned, and now I say to myself, ‘Where am I planning ahead with my children?’” — Jennifer Berman, MD, author of For Women Only: A Revolutionary Guide to Overcoming Sexual Dysfunction and Reclaiming Your Sex Life
“I am grateful that I can spend time with my children. For me, the priority is spending time with them over, say, housekeeping or cooking. I want to make sure they’re happy, fulfilled, and having a good time. And that they’re enjoying projects and camps and whatever they’re involved in. That’s far more important to me than me going to bed—and all the toys that are left out in the living room!” — Soledad O’Brien, CNN anchor and special correspondent
Next page: The time I felt most scared…
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