30 Days of Thanks: Day 3

"Why do you do this every year?"

I take the time every year to write these gratitudes to reflect set my mindset for the upcoming season, and to find the time daily to be appreciative more than I might typically. I enjoy the moments sat in "forced" writing and reflection. It slows me down from an otherwise busy day and helps me find the gratitude, and often the joy, even on days when it might be challenging. Writing these is something I do for me, and to share my story, my life, my lessons, and in doing so hopefully help one of you reading this not feel so alone, or different, to normalize the craziness and chaos of life.

Even on those difficult days when the world is crashing and you are questioning your life decisions that lead you to the mess that is smothering you there is something in there to be thankful or grateful for; whether it be a lesson learned or a connection made or a simple smile shared across the room you can find a moment in which you can find thanksgiving. On this day I am simply thankful for this opportunity to share a bit of why I write these each year and to have the moment to wish you all peace, joy, happiness, and a little bit of magic.

30 Days of Thanks: November 2

Yesterday I wrote of friendship, the gift it is, the changes it brings, and how it weaves into our lives. Today, I am still thankful for friendship, but especially for the deep, intimate friendships, for the friends that trust you and love enough to let you walk with them during those painful times. I'm thankful for these relationships where someone loves me and trusts me enough to share these moments with me. It's often not about having the right answer, or answer for them, but holding space and time for them; carrying their burden for a moment to allow them to breathe. When you can offload your burden for a moment, catch your breath and reset, that burden is suddenly lighter, maybe more manageable. 

It is a gift and a blessing to have forged these relationships and I am thankful for them. Thankful the friend who called tonight in need and allowed me to be there with them, to walk with them through fear and remind them that all is not as it seems. It's not dismissing their pain, their experiences, but offering perspective- when needed or wanted. Often it's as simple as saying "yeah it does suck" because there are many times when we need to hear that it's ok to not be ok. We live in a world that values perfection and happiness, without recognizing that messiness and sadness are parts of life, part of the human experience, and require just as much recognition. I am honored that I was chosen to walk with them, and I pray that our call helped facilitate some healing, or at least a brief moment of peace.

I'm thankful for the depth of our friendship and the moments we shared today, for despite this friend needing support they were able to offer me some healing and love. Tonight the words and support were kind reciprocally and we have both worked at this to have moments like this without anger or jealousy or fear reigning. Each of these emotions may have appeared tonight, yet they did not dominate. I am thankful for this friendship and for the growth within it.

Flowers just because

30 Days of Thanks: November 1

 It's my annual tradition to blog my days of thanks this month. Simply a moment to really reflect and document what is important to me on that day at that moment. Today is a simple thing: friendship. I am so thankful and grateful for friendship. For the seasonal friendships where people come into your life and then leave, and though I mourn the loss I am grateful for the time; for the long-term friendships, the people that have followed me from state to state to state.....; for the new friendships. Each relationship is unique, some are certainly more dynamic than others, and yet each one holds a place in my heart. These people have been there for me, then not been there for me, and for the most part love me for who I am. This crazy, messy woman who's out making dreams into goals, wrangling 4 kids, and living a life less ordinary.

I am thankful for the friendships that my children develop. Tonight as my eldest attended her first homecoming dance with her best friend for the past 6 years it was a fun time to watch them get ready together. Though they don't spend a lot of time together they were all smiles and you would never know that due to schedules they rarely see each other. My youngest son has developed some incredible friendships this year and is out almost everyday at house hanging out; again it's something special to watch. Even this morning when the youngest and her bestie missed the bus I am thankful they had each other. Each of these friendships shapes them, nurtures them, and feeds them in ways that I cannot. In turn it also feeds me. There is such synergy and beauty in these gifts of friendship.

S off to her homecoming dance