gratitude

(pic source) 

This morning I am blogging from another state and there's 8 inches of snow!!  It's beautiful!  I turned on the Christmas music and I'm feeling pretty good about having it on.  


I wanted to quickly make a list of things I am thankful for this week, in the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday....

• Hubby- I know it sounds ridiculous how much I still adore him after all this time, but I truly am the happiest married person I know.  He is my air, and that's all I really need to say.
• My girls- Even though they are not my biological daughters, I love them so very very much.  They are my girls and make my life so much richer.  Their smiles, their laughter, their little jokes, their similarities and differences.  I love them more than anything.
• My dog- I get a lot of crap for how much I love my dog, but I don't care because he makes me soooo happy.  He really really does.  I know he is filling a spot in me that is craving my own baby, but I can't imagine loving him any less when that happens.  (I know.  Everyone says that will change)  I love his little personality and I especially love how he snuggles with me.
• My complicated family- I love my family so very much.  The dynamics are so interesting, and the struggles have been many, but I am confident we are stronger for it.  I have two amazing parents, in their own ways, and I have always felt loved.  I feel like I have a really great relationship with each of my sibs- there are six of us all together, which makes me very lucky.
• I am very very thankful for the upcoming stability that is beginning in our lives.  We have had a very up and down year with my husband's business, and it has finally paid off.  He successfully closed a large transaction that will give us not only stability but huge piece of mind.  I am so proud of him.  In this rough economy for him to have created something like he did is a huge fete.  
• I am so very very thankful that I have had the opportunity to work on my book this year.  I was so unhappy for so long, trying to be successful in an environment that was all numbers and black and white thinking.  With my husband's continued support, I have been able to chase a dream this year and I can honestly say that EVERY SINGLE DAY, I have been thankful for that chance.  I cannot even tell you how amazing it has been to have someone be so supportive.  I never would have got as far as I have without him believing in me and challenging me to DO IT.  
• Our health- I am so very very thankful that none of my family has had any major health issues.  I know what an amazing thing that is, and knock on wood, I pray it stays that way.
• I am thankful for our freedom.  I am thankful for all of the brave men and women that have served or are currently serving to keep us safe and free.  I hope they can all come home soon.
• I have wonderful friends and I am so thankful for them.  They add so much spice to my life and I am so thankful for good and lasting friendships.  I have such a dynamic group of friends from all walks of life, and I love that about each of them.  Their individuality, passions, hopes and dreams make me want to be a better person.
• I am thankful for the holidays- any reason to celebrate anything and I'm all over it.  I love love love the holidays.  I love the decorations, the music, the excitement in the air and the spirit of giving.  I love family gatherings and reactions to the perfect gifts.  I love hosting parties and spending extra time with good friends.  I love freshly fallen snow- it makes you feel like you can do anything, like you have a fresh start.

This year has been both fabulous and extremely stressful.  I feel like we have been humbled and that we have learned many valuable lessons.  I am looking forward to the upcoming year.  In many ways, I feel like we are arriving, like this next year will be one of the best of our lives.  I am excited to settle, to know exactly what our future will entail and to focus on living instead of surviving.  I am full of gratitude for my life, for the people that are in it, and for the amazing things they have taught me this year.

It may sound trite to make a list of things I'm thankful for, but it is so important to take time to notice the things around you that you are grateful for.  No matter what has gone on in your life, there are always things to be thankful for, to be mindful of.  I guarantee that you will instantly feel better after acknowledging these types of blessings in your life.  

In a strange way, I am also thankful for blogging... the ability for anyone to be given a voice, a sounding-board, an outlet, and a support system.  

Even though it was a hard year, I think that the struggle will benefit us- it gave us a healthy perspective that leaves me full of thanks on this snowy morning.

"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."