gratitude

so this is november. over half way through it already and the stress of buying things for people who don't need more things with money i don't need to spend is upon me. (it's ok, it's part of a bigger picture, and though i've tried, it's not in my power to simplify it...so we do what we can and try not to be the bah-humbugs on everyone else's loot-feast)

but first, thanksgiving. the pilgrims and indians and simple act of eating way too much and the last bit of autumn, all while remembering to be grateful.

someone somewhere along the way started a facebook challenge, if you will, to post something you're thankful for every day in november. it hasn't been too hard for me yet, but i do like having to take a moment in the morning and post something i'm grateful for rather than some sarcastic quip or gripe or whatever else.

i try to stay in a mind of gratefulness at all times. even when i'm blue or feeling crazy or lonely or whatever emotions i blame on moving inland, i love my life. here's the deal: it's my life. i can do whatever i want with it. i've known this and understood this for a while and try to keep it in the front of my brain always. i can't always have what i want, but i know i am surrounded with everyday beauty and if i fail to appreciate it, i'm the only one to blame.

here are some things i'm always thankful for:
God's love, my parents, my brothers, my hometown, my calm and secure childhood, my friends from every part of my life living in several states, my education, my health, my looks, husband, his family and childhood and mind and body. my house, our income, our health insurance, our old but reliable vehicles, my experiences and memories, the traveling i've done, the jobs i've had, the fact that i've done just about everything i've put my mind to, my personality (for better or worse), my house, our furnishings and back yard. my daughter, our birth experience, staying home with her and the 3 small jobs i've been able to do to help make the ends meet (and the few events i've planned while home too to keep me on my feet!) our neighborhood, warm sunny days and crisp fall mornings (but not cold winters!) music, books and netflix (without which i would have absolutely zero knowledge about movies..) good food, and a big soft comfy bed!

i know there are an infinite amount of things i'm thankful for. i'm thankful for the mind to take time to be in the moment..to have a few times each day that i stop and literally think "this is a good life. it just doesn't get much better than this." these little pauses help me realize how great my life is, even if everything isn't perfect (and it's so not.) but it's my life and i have the right to enjoy it.

you guys have a fabulous thanksgiving! enjoy your family and the food and take time to be grateful!