I'm having a gratitude moment - one of those times when I'm almost totally overwhelmed by this feeling of *THANKS* - and I needed to share it with someone. I don't having anyone here with me at the moment however, so I'll share it here.
I can usually pinpoint what starts a gratitude moment, but this time I think it was a combination of things - a touching story here, a sweet gesture from my child there, an unexpected display of affection from my husband. This time no one instant triggered it though. It just sort of...built up. It's especially strong this time too, perhaps because I have been very UNgrateful these last few weeks.
I've been having a "bad mom" phase. I feel like I'm failing at everything where my children are concerned. Logically, I know I'm not, but I *feel* like I am. I'm unhappy with the way I look. I've also been having a minor mid-life crisis, I think. I've just been so unsatisfied with my life, and that's not really normal for me. I find myself saying "I want" a lot lately. I want to go back to school but can't afford it. I want to travel in order to take some training, but I can't afford that either. I've considered getting a job but I can't figure out how I could possibly fit it in and not lose my sanity. Besides, I know a job wouldn't help with this problem anyway. I've just been in a funk and have had trouble pulling myself out of it.
Then suddenly, today, it was like the sun broke through the clouds and I felt this wave of *thankfulness* flow through me. Nothing in particular caused it. It just happened. Out of the blue...just like (snap) that. And it was beautiful!
It seems like there should be some ritual, some ceremony, or...something to mark an occasion like this, but I'm drawing a blank as to what such a ritual would look like. Maybe just noting it is ritual enough. Or perhaps I should say *acting on it* is ceremony enough. What better way is there to celebrate gratitude than by showing it?
I have no idea where I got this or who wrote it, but it is fitting, so I'll leave it here for someone else to find, just as I once found it.
Be Thankful
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things, but a life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.
~ Author Unknown ~
