Coming back from our quick jaunt to SF, I’ve done nothing but ponder how powerful the “attitude of gratitude” is, and how wonderful it is to stop and realize all the ways you are blessed, even when things seem really difficult.
My dear friend I was visiting (who I mentioned yesterday and I’ve known since 5thgrade), is an amazing and patient mother. Her youngest was born with profound disabilities. She’s a sweet and loving child, who is happy and so loved by her parents, siblings and caretakers, it’s wonderful to watch. Although my friend has had many moments (seen and unseen to me), where she has felt the weight and sadness of her daughters condition, I’ve also seen her grow and come to appreciate this whole new side of life, with a whole new gratitude for the simple things from her children. A smile, a laugh, the absence of a cold, or a seizure. Despite how hard it is, how hard it has to be, she is so grateful for the little gifts her daughter gives her every single day, the gifts she’s given their whole family. Honestly, it’s so inspiring because it’s very easy to get caught up in what you think are the “worst problems ever”—which are usually whatever problems you happen to be dealing with at the moment. Most of us get wrapped in our world and go down the rabbit hole of "how bad could this get?" "why me?" and "this isn't fair!"
I know personally I’ve allowed myself to wallow in how difficult my teens are at times, how “unfair” it is that everyone, literally EVERYone, seems to have an easier time at it. It’s ridiculous, and self-indulgent of me to think this way even for a minute. I have two healthy teens, who yes, are trouble with a capital T, but they are healthy, and generally happy, and I theoretically get to hug and kiss them every day (although they mostly don’t let me.) I'm incredibly lucky.
So here’s my reminder to myself. Be grateful for the problems you have, they could be worse. Find gratitude in whatever circumstances you find yourself in right this moment because there are always things to be grateful for.
John leaves for two weeks tomorrow (some work, some play.). I start my solo parenting marathon and I’m in full prep mode. I’ll miss him of course, a lot, that goes without saying. Having him gone have parts that are hard, and parts of it that are easier honestly. I end up having a lot of free time somehow, especially in the evenings, and I can plow thru projects that I need to do. It gets tiring having no back up for driving the kids around and activities etc., but there is also no one to coordinate with, and that also can be easier.
What I do know is that I plan on pampering myself these next two weeks. I plan on getting a facial, maybe a massage….throw in a pedicure, and definitely some retail therapy. We are getting all kinds of new things in this week (Velvet, Margaret O’Leary and more), and I feel like the timing of cool new stuff, during a period that I definitely DESERVE to treat myself, well, that’s kismet for sure.
Hope everyone tackles the week with gusto, I have high hopes!
Signed, ME {lv}
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