It’s the most wonderful time of the year, friends. And I think that that includes Thanksgiving. I kind of like that a season of thanks precedes a season of “gift giving” in this country. We need more thanks and graciousness in our lives these days. The thing is… I have a lot to be thankful for, and I like to be vocal in my appreciation of my life so that my kids might mirror me in recognizing how lucky they are.
I have a “mental mantra” if you will, that I repeat to myself when I get to stressing about things that really don’t matter that much or that I cannot change. “Some people have real problems” I tell myself. I know it’s not inspirational or anything, but it is true. I get stressed about bills, but the fact is that I have more than I need. I get upset that I can’t for the life of me keep up with my family’s mountains of laundry, but some people can’t buy their children piles of clothes to dirty. Some parents sit in sterile hospitals while I complain about my messy home. I absolutely dread taking all three of my kids to the grocery store with me; but I leave with a cart full of food. You see, some people have real problems.
I have a wonderful life, there is no denying it. And I am glad that we have an entire holiday dedicated to recognizing it.
So here it is; a list of all the things I am thankful for this year.
1. Healthy Children
This is something that I think about often, as I have it pegged in my mind as the single most devastating possibility in existence. The sheer idea of my children’s mortality terrifies me if I think about it too much actually. So I am so thankful that they are healthy enough to terrorize my home, each other, and me. ;)
2. My Husband
Like so many couples that have been together for ages (10 years in the Spring, WHAT?!) my husband is both my best friend and my deepest frustration. But at the end of the day, he has never left my side. Not at 17, not pregnant at 19, not at 27, and not ever. I have never once had to question his devotion to me. It is a wonderful sense of security to trust someone so much. He tells me I’m beautiful when I’m clearly a mess, supports me endlessly in pursuit of all of my dreams, and works his ass off so that we can live this wonderful life. So here’s to you babe, I’m thankful for you.
3. My Home
Well, both of my homes I guess. Denver is currently one of the most desirable locations to live in the entire country, and the housing prices prove it. It’s still a shock my to my bank account but we’re lucky to be here. On the flip side, I’m super lucky to have bought a home in Florida seven years ago. It was a perfect home for my little family for six years and it ended up being a great investment property. I’m so emotionally attached to my first house that I kind of never want to sell it, even if I never live in it again. haha. #sentimental
4. My Job
Yeah, that’s right, dear readers. I got a job. 😉 haha. Stay-at-home-mom life just isn’t for me. More on that another time. But I’ve pretty much always had a job and I am thankful for that. I came of age during The Great Recession and I remember how bad things got and how many people lost everything. For that entire era I had a great job at Publix, because no matter how bad things get economically, people still need groceries. In fact, they never even froze wages. We still got raises (although small) the entire time. After nine years with them, I’ll bleed green ’til I die… and cringe every single time I’m forced to shop in a King Soopers/Safeway here in Denver. ick.
5. Family
Josh and I are both lucky enough to both have families that support us through everything and always help during times of need. Even thousands of miles away they’re always right there. We miss them extra during the holidays! It’s so weird celebrating alone.
So there you have it. A short list (that could actually be much longer) of all of the things that I am thankful for. I hope you all have the best Thanksgiving tomorrow and STUFF yourselves full while recognizing all you have to be grateful for in your life.
BRING ON CHRISTMAS!!!! (She says while watching The Polar Express.)
