I have been so grumpy this week! My husband directly told me I was whining a lot earlier in the week, and upon him pointing it out, I realized it was true.
That made me think about how ungrateful I am for all of the wonderful things in my life. As the title of this blog clearly states, I have a very lovely life. It’s the life I always prayed for…it’s the life I never thought I could have (because I have it all). I’m not bragging…sure, there are things I want, things I still strive to achieve. But I have a solid foundation of “wonderful” in my life.
So, I thought as a means of pulling myself out of my grumpy stooper, I would reflect on the things I am grateful for. Perhaps, I’m a little late since Thanksgiving was almost 4 months ago, but better late than never, right?
- I am thankful for my husband, Brad. When I was younger, I used to wonder how it was possible to never tire of someone. I didn’t understand how you could get married and be with the same person forever. Brad made me understand. 5 years of being together, and he still gives me the flutters. He still makes me laugh (a skill he regularly uses to get out of trouble). And, if it’s possible, my feelings for him are growing. It’s love and friendship and partnership all tied into one. It’s the times we conquer problems together. It’s the fact that we can have great conversations while brushing our teeth in the morning. It’s the fact that we can be perfectly honest with each other and, rather than taking offense, we can learn from each other’s critique. Ok, stop gagging…I’m done now.
- I’m thankful for the relationship I have with my mom. Over the years, I’ve called her in tears more times than I can count, and she has talked me out of my hysteria time and again. She’s there to guide me when I have a stubborn stain on my new shirt, or need advice on picking out a new dress. She’s there to encourage me when I’m feeling down in the dumps. She has become a friend, as opposed to just a parent. We share recipes and cleaning tips (ok, to be honest, she has more of the cleaning tips), and sales that we find on clothes on shoes. And I love that she’s learned to master the internet. I’m proud of her, and I know my dad would be as well.
- I’m thankful for my friends. I have friends that can read my mind just by looking at my face. I have friends that have picked me up off the proverbial ground when I felt like I couldn’t bear to stand any longer. I’m thankful for the connection I have with each of them; each one different, each one valuable to me. I’m thankful for the friends who respect me and never take advantage of me, that think highly of me and believe in me. I’m thankful for the friends I’ve had for many years, and the new ones I’ve made along the way. I can’t imagine a life without these people. I can’t imagine who I’d be without them.
- I’m thankful for my family. There was a time when I felt empty and alone and utterly hopeless. But they didn’t allow me to feel that way for long. I feel so much love and support from my family that I know I can do no wrong in their eyes. I don’t know why they love me so much, but I’m glad they do.
- I’m thankful for shoes. Cute shoes make an outfit…you know it’s true. I’m thankful that I have an uncanny ability to find really cute shoes at really great prices, allowing me to have a complete (and maybe very large) collection.
- I’m thankful for my job. I’m watching in awe as my career takes shape; a career that allows me to do the very thing I love most: write. I’m thankful for the people I’ve met in my career path, who have given me opportunities because they believe in me. You know who you are…
- I’m thankful that a goal I’ve had my whole life is about to be completed. And no matter where it goes from there, I will take pride in knowing that I did the one thing I always dreamt of doing.
- I’m thankful for candy. Sour patch kids, Swedish Fish, Skittles, and Starbursts. Yes, they are the bane of my existence. Yes, they are a test of my willpower, and they are undoubtedly to blame for many cavities…but really, can you imagine a world without CANDY? I shudder at the thought.
- I’m thankful for my home. It’s warm and cozy, and filled with niceties. I love our warm bed, our amazingly comfy couch, and all of the “toys” we have that I love: computers, TVs, DVRs, etc. Oh, and most of all, I’m thankful for my crockpot. I L-O-V-E my crockpot.
- I’m thankful for the 22 years I had with my dad. Losing him was the hardest thing I’ve faced yet, and I miss him every single day. But I’m thankful that I can still remember his face, the sound of his voice, and the way he laughed. I’m thankful for the lessons he taught me; lessons I didn’t pay much attention to at the time. And I’m thankful that his death taught me just how fleeting life is, and how important it is to cherish every moment; how vital is to not take anyone for granted.
