Gratitude and Thanks
This month has flown by and as it
wraps up, I'm realizing that while November is often considered the month of
gratitude and thanks, I've done neither. I'll admit that it's been a
difficult autumn. I've spent too much time focusing on the difficulties.
I've whined and complained, and sadly, GAINED poundage. (Feeding my
emotions with "stuff" that makes me "feel good" in the
moment, but not so much in the long run.) So I want to end the month on a
better note. I want to end on a note of thanksgiving.
So let me take some time to look at
the good instead of the bad.
For example, I came down with a cold
last week. Nothing horrid, but enough to make me feel crappy and
uncomfortable. I'm still not completely healthy (there's that darned nagging
cough), but I am better. And too look at it from a position of gratitude;
I'm grateful that I got sick when I did. AFTER the run of my son's school
play and BEFORE Thanksgiving. I am grateful that I have the resources to
get the medicine (Dayquil/Nightquil) and supplements (Cold Ease and Zicam) to
make me feel better and help build up my immune system. I'm grateful that
I have the ability to get to the doctor (even though I didn't need to).
And I'm grateful that I was given the flexibility to work from home on those
days when I really felt poorly. (I'm sure my co-workers were grateful
too!)
Speaking of work; my commute is a
pain in the...Route 3: I HATE IT! (Although after traveling Route
280 when I was called to jury duty, I am actually GRATEFUL that I don't have to
do that every day!) My job, like most, can be stressful, frustrating,
annoying and I don't get paid enough. (Is there ever enough?)
However, I DO have a job. I work with people that I like. Some of
those people I REALLY like. I work in a building where I sometimes
interact with people I USED to work with! (How cool is it that in the
very next office suite are at least a half a dozen people that I used to have
the pleasure of working with and more than 5 years after we last saw each other
and spoke, now I get to see them again in the hallways?) I have a car
that gets me there on a daily basis; one that I own and is in good
condition. (I hope I didn't just blow it with that!) And as I said
previously, I am able to work from home sometimes, which makes my life so much
easier. Would I like more money? Heck yes! Who
wouldn't? But a job isn't just about the money. It's about benefits
(I have them!) and flexibility (ditto!). Overall, I'm happy where I am
and I give thanks to all those I work with for making it a place that I like to
go to. (Even if I don't always like the commute!)
I am thankful for my home.
It's imperfect; just like me. But it's warm, cozy and (mostly)
clean. It's been in my family since 1924. How many people can say
that? Although it has been difficult to look out my window recently, as I
see the demolition of what used to be my family home, what I SHOULD be seeing
is the potential for a renovated and renewed home for a new family. I
also need to be thankful that I don't have to worry about looking after it
while my parents are away. (No more checking the boiler!) As
they say (and I think this is apropos for the season): you have to break
a few eggs to make an omelet. (Of course I'm deathly allergic to eggs!)
I'm also reminded that while winter may be bleak; there is always the promise
of spring. I hope by spring to see something beautiful blossoming next
door. (But don't hold your breath that I won't write any more bitching
post about the whole situation...I'm not that good!)
Most importantly, I am thankful for
the people that surround me. I'm not just talking about family and
friends; although they are the most important thing in the world to me.
I'm talking about the teachers who have made this (thus far) a great freshman
year for my son. I'm talking about the crossing guards who look out for
all of us. I'm talking about the butcher who remembered me
yesterday. I'm talking about the cashier at Shoprite. All those
people who touch our lives in a positive way and don't even know it.
Thank you.
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