November is the time of year that most of us count our blessings, say what we are thankful for and try a little harder to appreciate the hand that we were dealt - or the cards that we were fortunate to not have been given.
We are more aware of our health, our home, our family and our friends.
Facebook is full of "gratitude", store isles feel more friendly and the public has an eagerness to give.
On thanksgiving we say thanks for a meal that is hot, huge and mostly very tasty!
November, is personally the beginning of my favorite time of the year.
I love the next few months that follow, we have several family birthdays in those months as well as Christmas and a new year, with new opportunities.
I wish the feelings that were created by the holidays stayed within people all year round, but unfortunately we tend to go back to our usual ways by the time February rolls around.
This year has taught me more about myself, my family and life in general than any other years of my being. I have been so thankful in the past few weeks, even as things have not been easy, made sense or felt "broken".
This time last year, I was sad, lonely and confused. I couldn't understand why my life was the way it had become. I felt as though I had made the best decisions, but was facing the worst consequences. If someone had told me that things would be OK, I would say no they would not. If I had been shown a glimpse into my future that is now, I would think the wrong tape was rolling.
I have a tendency to think things are unfair, and that has shielded me from seeing the beauty in things that only happen as a result of something else. I am thankful for the good that comes out of even the worst situations.
When my daughter was born, I thought it was unfair that she had no father.
As a result, my parents were extremely involved in her life, as well as mine. Not having a father for the first few years of her life, provided us with an overwhelming amount of support from family and friends and to an extent, she became "everyone's child".
I think it is unfair that My 3 "step" daughters (I am only using the word step for story telling purposes)
lost their mother - and even though I never met her, I think its unfair that she passed away.
Although I would never want anyone to be lost or lose someone they that love, this woman created 3 beautiful children that I now get to be a part of. I will forever be grateful to her for that.
When my relationship hit rock bottom, I thought it was unfair that we couldn't be happy together.
Without going through the things that we did, we wouldn't be able to be as strong as we are today. Our love is more true than it has ever been, and we have a better appreciation for one another that we wouldn't have had without overcoming the obstacles that we did.
Recently, I have felt that it is unfair that we have not been granted the home, which we built. The home that we put a lot of time and emotion into. However, we have a home, a place to lay our heads, food in the fridge and family to love - and that is more than some can say. Throughout the whole moving - or not moving process, our family has learned the importance of patience and being thankful for whatever you are able to have. The emotional ups and downs of working with the builder, the mortgage company and the school, has brought James and I closer, and has helped us learn to pick one another up.
I could give many examples of things that feel undeserved, I am sure we all have an equal amount of "why me?" moments in our life.
While I am thankful for the obvious, the things that go without saying, I am also thankful for the unknown, the unexpected and the unexplained.
After the holidays pass, I don't want to lose this feeling, I want to be as thankful in March, July or September, as I am right now.
Remember without rain, we would have no water, so be thankful always, even when life seems unfair.
So beautifully written. Im thankful for you and our unselfsh friendship:-). Xxoo Mary
ReplyDeleteThank you Mare!! I am thankful for YOU and the wonderful memories that our friendship holds xoxo
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful that I've found you and get to touch base with you. I love reading your blog and always hope for the best in your situation!
ReplyDeleteThank you Teri - likewise :)
DeleteThat is a lovely post. In Australia we don't celebrate Thanksgiving, but I agree - we should all be thankful all year round for our blessings (even the ones that come in disguise).
ReplyDeletesometimes those can be the best :)
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