Hello lovelies! I’ve been feeling very thankful lately. Sometimes I get wrapped up in ‘not having enough_____ (time, money, friends, space, clothes, chocolate etc.)’ and have to catch myself by thinking about all the awesomeness that I do have. I’m reading Daring Greatly right now which is helping me learn to ’embrace vulnerability and imperfection, to live wholeheartedly, and to courageously engage in our lives.’ All of these things sound so simple, yet are tough for us to live in our every day lives. To start daring greatly, I’m going to notice the things that I’m thankful for every day. 
1. My pup who sits here as I write with her head on my lap. Tomorrow she is having surgery to remove a tooth and I’m worried for her to have anesthetics. I’m thankful that we didn’t have to face the hard choice on if we should go through with the $700 surgery because of money. A lot of people do not have the option to give medical care to their pets and I’m so thankful we do.
2. Sophie’s amazing grandparents. We are so lucky to have both of our parents in her life. They both care for her unconditionally and I can really see the love that they have for her. I was fortunate enough to have grandparents who loved me so much and I am so happy that Sophie can experience that type of love.
3. Music. I love that intense orchestral music can make me scared during a movie. I’m glad that listening to pop music can keep me motivated to clean. I’m thankful that you can feel a special bond with someone who shares the same love for a band that I do.
4. Pumpkin flavored everything. When I was pregnant with Sophie, I craved pumpkin more than anything. It’s closing in on fall meaning pumpkin goodness is in my future again.
5. Awesome neighbors. Our neighbors are always there to let us borrow a cup of milk, watch Sophie for a few minutes, give us recipes, share books, teach us a new craft, be a workout buddy and hang out with us on the sidewalks while we wait for our families to come home.
6. All four seasons. In Illinois, we can get all four seasons in a matter of two weeks. I’m not a huge fan when that happens but I am thankful that we get to see the grass and flowers grow from the rain in the spring, sunny warm nights in the summer, beautiful colors on the trees in the fall and snow to play in during the winter. I used to love all four seasons when I was young and I know, now that we have Sophie, that I’ll love them again just as much.
7. An easy going partner. I can change moods in one second flat and am so thankful that Jeffrey is extremely level headed to balance me out. He is happy to go along with my ‘fun adventures’ and just stay home to be with our family.
8. All the luck that I’ve stumbled into and opportunities that I’ve been a part of. If I talk about all the fun things that I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of, I’d just sound like I was bragging. A few of my favorite lucky things are my wonderful childhood, meeting my love, going to Purdue, being a Disney cast member and having a successful pregnancy.
9. Glitter, jewels and gems. I love sparkly shiny things. I’m thankful to have seen several exhibits on gems and start a collection of them. I think everything and everyone should be accessorized with glitter, jewels and gems!
10. The feeling of safety. Today, 9/11 is a reminder that terrible things can happen at any moment to change our lives. I’m thankful that I do not have daily fear of something terrible happening like so many people have around the world. I’m thankful to be raised where I was and to have the opportunity to live where I do today.
What are you thankful for? How are you living a wholehearted life? It’s hard, but like everything else, one step at a time.
I love the things you listed, especially #10. I may not be American by birth but I think we should never forget what happened that day and appreciate every day that we do have.
I am thankful for my wonderful husband and my kids, and the fact that we are all together and healthy as we can be.
Having a healthy family is top in things to be thankful for isn’t it? I’m happy you’re all healthy!
Being thankful truly enriches our lives and creates a more positive tone in our day to day life. Being a military family, my husband has faced one too many close calls. I think it’s because of that, we are stronger and more thankful everyday that we have each other. We feel safe and we feel loved and that is so important. And yes, on a day like 9/11 it is even more on my mind that life can change in an instant.
It is too true. My husband isn’t in the military and I still get worried that he won’t come home because of an accident. Everything can change so quickly and it’s so important to know what your priorities are and be thankful. 🙂
What a beautiful list! Definitively being financially sounds and not having to make hard choices is a good thing. It’s great that Sophie has her grandparents in her life. I hope I’m a grandparent in my future grand children’s lives. I think I’m pretty happy and content with my life even though we don’t have a house like we’d like, but that gives us something to work towards.
I hope your a grandma too Lisa!! We’re the same with our house. It’s hard because I love our home but at the same time we’re quickly outgrowing it!
I want for the time, space, money things too, but less so lately, I’ve found.
I’m often just thankful for good health and for all of the non-anxious days/weeks/months/years I sometimes have.
That is key.
And I sure love pumpkin everything!