Gratitude #6

I am grateful for starting to see the light after a lot of darkness.  I am glad that I am really feeling the process of growing and letting go.  I am sorry for what I have messed up along the way but I know there is grace and forgiveness out there for those who ask for and give in return. 

Gratitude #5

See, this is exactly the point of this exercise...when I'm down and tired of fighting against being misunderstood, or wondering why people think it's ok to be so cruel while identifying as enlightened and kind or spiritual and led by grace, or witnessing the shockingly mean way people act in a Catholic school environment with the mission statement "living in faith, growing in character, loving each other."  It's time to pull out some gratitude.


I am so, so grateful for the sun today.  It's January and we're in the midst of the winter doldrums.  Even if there are sub zero temps out there, the gorgeous sun is shinning and is an awesome contrast to the grey days of winter.  I love warmth.  I love the sun.  I feel a little bad that both Natalie and Charlotte know more about the solar system than I do, though.  But, yet, grateful that they have such a great thirst for knowledge.


I also love the statement I read recently, "fire the judge and hire the witness."  Words to live by and meditate on.

Gratitude #4

I am grateful for water.  It goes without saying that clean, fresh drinking water is not something to which all have access.  And that is wrong.  I watch and wonder as the lakes in my own "educated, left leaning environmentally conscious" town get taken over by blue green algae.  These same lakes that we used to swim freely in are often closed down in the summer, or questionable at best.


Water is awesome and powerful yet flows right through your fingers.  It transforms your body, can rid you of toxins and clear bad skin.  When I was growing up I didn't drink much if any water...maybe if it was the only option available. We all went for the soda or sugar drinks and didn't appreciate the true value in natural beverages without a huge list of additives.  We now look at things differently and water is my kids' drink of choice.  I drink at least two 32 oz servings in my new water bottle (a much wanted Christmas gift). And before having this little green metal bottle, I drank glasses and glasses daily.  I really started drinking lots of water when I was pregnant with Natalie and stopped drinking soda.


We should really make the current global issues with availability of clean water a priority over fighting endless, needless wars, catering monetarily to those who simply don't care and other wastes of money and resources.

Gratitude #3

Honestly, I haven't been feeling too grateful lately.  My focus is off and I'm not doing well at home.  Work is never ending.  Our extended families are uninvolved and seemingly uninterested.  My mind is going to dark, fearful places.  Analysis paralysis.


But, I am grateful to have been born in a free, democratic country.  I know that we all are very fortunate to live here and speak our minds and even be bummed out if we want.  We are free to love and ignore judgement.  We have amazing, resilient people serving in the armed forces.  There are a lot of good people here.  There is no reason to be locked in chains.

Gratitude, Day 2

I am grateful for my health and that of my little family.  The health scare I had last summer made me realize how much I've taken for granted.  Good health (and happiness) is priceless.

Gratitude Posts start today

I read about a life changing gratitude poster on Facebook and am going to try it myself.  For people who struggle with varying levels of depression, the hardest thing, deep down in one's soul, or the most confusing/frustrating thing is to know that you have so much to be grateful for yet, you feel sad.
We all shall overcome.


Of course I am grateful for my two ones.  They are both well adjusted, caring, smart and fun girls.  They get up in the morning and get ready for school and just show a consistent level of responsibility and motivation every day.  Charlotte's little look when she is sampling new food slays me.  She is full of spirit and humor, questions and conversation...a social butterfly and I love it.  Natalie, on the verge of tween-hood, but yet she still wants to snuggle, hold hands, ask for advice, and generally spend time with her Mama.  I ask God for the grace required every day to mother these two wonderful souls and I thank him, because I am so grateful for Natalie and Charlotte.