Giving Thanks

“In the end, though, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in this world who sustain our lives. In the end, maybe it's wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices.” ~ Elizabeth Gilbert

I've been working on the gratitude again lately.  Really trying to make it a normal part of every day living, instead of finding it when things go off the rails.  And today it hit me, there is really a lot to be thankful for in our lives.

First of all I have made it a mission to be the best mom to these two yahoos...  And that is pretty cool.  They are funny, kind, thoughtful, and honestly going to be the best adults someday.  

Now everyday isn't perfect, and yes, they are still kids with lots of learning left to do, but getting to be a part of their lives is a gift every day.  They're kinda cute too :)

Which leads me to their father...

What can I say about a man who has made it a mission to make me laugh everyday.  Well, almost every day.  Again, it's not perfect, and I'm learning that no marriage ever is, but sometimes you have to go through the bad times to see the good times right in front of you.  

It's a work in progress, and probably always will be, but I know he will always be there through all the good and bad times.  

That's what marriage is all about.

And then there's the things like my family, crazy or not, who are going to be with you good, bad, or ugly.  

And my job, along with the co-workers, who are more like family than anything else.  We can drive each other crazy trying to manage the "Suburban Way" but I don't know what I'd do without them.  Now my corporate comrades are the bomb and make everyday brighter :)

Friends.  What would I do without the people who hold me up, make me laugh, send me text, read my books (and like them), Scandal-live-text with me.  Or Revenge.  Or Criminal Minds.  The list could go on and on, but I honestly don't know what I would do without texting my friends.  It's like a conversation that really never ends.  

And then there's the little things:  creamer in my coffee... gas fireplaces... warm cookies.  The little things we totally take for granted, but are there everyday making our lives a little richer somehow.  

books
iPads
heated seats
running buddies
good advice
chilled white wine
eating out
McDonalds breakfast and Starbucks coffee
pets
slippers
health
Netflix

So.  Much.  To.  Be.  Grateful.  For.

At the end of the day, we just have to send a thank you up to Heaven to the angels watching over us, and not just tomorrow... but every day.  Make it a habit that you start paying attention to what's good in your life instead of what's bad.  Change your perspective and see the goodness around you.

Change your life for the better.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and take the time to say thank you.

Finding Gratitude

I'm feeling like I'm in the movie Finding Nemo, and I'm the dad.  And instead of looking for Nemo though, I'm searching for gratitude.  I know, I know, this is what I preach, the base of what I know to be true and real, for the past few years.

And yet I'm searching.

It seems this year has been about growth for me, and growing pains are hell.

With a broken-family Thanksgiving and a hockey tournament on Friday, life seems to be throwing me a curveball.  God is saying "find your gratitude in this mess," and I can finally see that.  I have never been so anxious to get a few days over with, and yet I really don't want to be that person anymore who wishes the days away.  I want to try and enjoy the process of cooking for my family and spending time with them.  I want them to say it was an awesome Thanksgiving, filled with good food and new traditions.

I don't want them to say 'that turkey sucks.'

Life is messy and rarely goes how we planned it.  If we can get through the tough times with gratitude in our hearts, then we can expect to be happier all the time.  And if we can remember to stay in the moment instead of stressing about the future, we will also be happier all the time.

Isn't that really what it's all about... being happier?

My wish for you is to have a wonderful Thanksgiving, spent with those you love, wrapped in a gratitude blanket.

“In the end, though, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in this world who sustain our lives. In the end, maybe it's wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices.” 
― Elizabeth Gilbert

And just like that, I can see gratitude.

Thank you for reading :)