Blessings & Gratitude…

This Thanksgiving was unlike any that I could remember, so much has changed in the last few years. My  small family was becoming even smaller. With the loss of my last two Grandparents and the ending of my marriage, the Thanksgiving Table seems much smaller this year. My son was with his father’s family, so it was just me and my parents. As sad as I felt, was able to smile because it reminded me of the Thanksgivings of my youth. For a long time, my parents and I lived too far away to see any of my family and it was just the three of us, listing to music, telling jokes, a few stories and just enjoying each others company. This Thanksgiving, as I helped in the kitchen and joked with my mom, a wave of gratitude hit me. I took a moment to let it wash over me and felt it wash the sadness of loss away.

Life is never perfect and it’s never really what you ask for but it does have its moments! I realized at that moment  my sadness, was doing more harm then good. Something I always remember to do when I’m sad, I stop a moment and start to count my blessings.

Here is what I came up with this time around:

• I don’t have to worry about where where my son and I are going to sleep at night, when we might eat next, or what will happen if we get sick.
• For the use and the power of my mind, that I strive to keep open to new ideas and new ways of looking at everyday things,situations and problems.
• For my eclectic and dynamic sense of humor.
• For my heart, no matter how many times I have broken it or had it broken, it still keeps the love of the world and of people inside and it gives me strength to pour my love out to the world.
• For my amazing son and family who shows me what unconditional love really is.
• For my job, its not my life’s work but its a step to getting me there and it provides me the necessary security to care for my family.
• For my ex, things between us didn’t work out but I couldn’t ask for a better Father for my son and a better teammate in parenting.
• For all the men whom I’ve loved, a piece of my heart will still love you no matter what has happened or may happen in the future. Thank you for being a part of my life!
• For my friends both near and far, I love you all. Each of you brings a new and exciting aspect to my life, who cares if we’ve know each other for 15 years or 1 day, I value everyone of you.
• The freedom’s that I have, I’m blessed to be able to live and raise my son the way I see fit.
• For the kindness and beauty that can still be found in this world.

I offer you much gratitude for reading and I wish you love and peace as you go about with your life. May you live each day with a mind and a heart filled with love and gratitude. I would love to know what you’re grateful for?