I always had something I was grateful for, but how to translate that into a blog post that didn't sound obnoxious or cocky was difficult. No one wants to hear that I was grateful I got to sleep in until 9 am on a random Tuesday or that I watched Ellen while I worked out. It would imply my life is easy and that I don't work. Though I know that's not true, I wonder what others think. Perhaps I shouldn't worry about others because this is my blog not theirs. But I do think about those things. I do care what others think and how they feel. Whether it's right or wrong, it's how it is.
As I look through my posts during this challenge I see that much of what I was grateful for are things, tangible things. When did that happen? When did I begin to place such esteemed value on the object/things in my life, that I felt the need to write about them? Life is about people, emotions and events not things. It makes me feel so shallow. Something I will definitely need to think about and work on.
I have a great family. My grandmother is still alive and lives nearby. We get along well and I see her fairly often. Though I am struggling with some of her neediness and wish my mom lived closer to help more. I get along well with my parents and see them several times a year. I love my husband and children. My oldest daughter and I struggle with many issues and I hope and pray that one day we will have a close relationship. But she is 21 1/2 and so sometimes I wonder if that opportunity has passed. I hope not. I adore my sister and her family. We see each other often and I love spending time her. I have good friends. And great relatives on my husbands side of the family. Family and friends - that is what I should be grateful for, because those are things that matter.
And good health. You get to a certain age and you have friends that become ill or pass away. It's hard and makes you think about you own mortality. But today, right now, I am in good health. And the people I care about are in good health, relatively speaking given age etc.
I am grateful that I am living and breathing. I am grateful that I am loving and kind. I am grateful to have a great family and friends and that I am in good health. There is nothing else I need. I am blessed.
What are you thankful?
