Today I was thinking about the idea of not being able to spend all your time & thoughts complaining because you are too busy being thankful. And it made me smile. While I do believe accepting grief and admitting challenges is helpful, and needed, I also think that one of the best things you can do is keep hold of the good things, the little moments each day which are beautiful and deserve thanks. So today, that is what I’m focusing on. Today, I’m thankful for:
- A laptop I can borrow a couple of times a week – While I can’t get it to post pictures and I wish there was money to purchase a replacement, I’m choosing to focus on the blessing of a borrowed laptop. It allows me to get some work done from home and write. And the more I do it, the more I realize I do so love to write.
- Free cable - We are screen free during family time, but with the recent move I was given free cable for a year. The teeny, tiny, $5 tv is away from sight, but a couple of times a week when I need some Downton Abbey, Call The Midwife, Doc Martin or Corrie (my guilty pleasure) and the wee ones are in bed, it is turned on.
- A better bedtime schedule - I find my children really need 11 hours sleep a night. Both arrived with serious sleep disorders. My daughter was medicated to sleep and my son slept 4-5 hrs a night maximum for years. I knew there was no way they would be able to learn and grow if we didn’t get the sleep routine down, so for the first 2-3 months that was a major priority. When anxious things can be a tad fractious, but on the whole they sleep exceptionally well. After committing to ensure November was a month of good sleep for us all, I went back to a 7:30 bedtime for both and it is going so well. We’ve had no issues at all and I’m enjoying the extra time to get things done and work. In case you hadn’t guessed, I’m exhausted
- My job – while there are some challenges, and I’d love to be home or doing something which speaks to my soul, I’m very thankful I have a position where I can work from home if I have a sick child, and leave early when needed. I certainly get all my hours in (+++), but being able to work them differently helps so much, even if it means I’m never really away from the office.
- The kindness of blog readers - honestly I get very little adult interaction outside of work. It can be weeks between adult conversations, so lately, all the lovely comments and interaction that has taken place in this space, has meant so very much. Thank you.
- Our house - with no downpayment I still can’t believe it happened. But it did, horrah! And while things are certainly tighter because I now have to pay tax and a few added bills, the mortgage is still lower than rent and with each payment the mortgage is reduced. I keep a big spreadsheet with each payment on display in the kitchen and I have such peace knowing each payday brings me closer to being mortgage free.
- The children’s hospital where my children receive treatment - the nurse that runs the clinic is like a ray of sunshine for me. She is always available when I need and goes out of her way to help us. She walked me across the hospital when I had to take the children for scary tests and results (the hospital requests both parents are present and if only one, that you bring another key person so that you have emotional support – only I didn’t have anyone else to bring). Kindness and compassion resides at that place and I’m never going to take it for granted.
- Beautiful autumn moments – I recently had the experience of driving in a car with a friend, with light rain falling, the beautiful Autumn leaves glowing and the sun setting. It reminded me how thankful I am to be alive and how beautiful life is.
And there you have it. Yes, things could be easier. But right now, in this state of complete exhaustion, I’m choosing to focus on the abundance of thanks that I know lives inside me.
Wherever you are today, I hope there is thankfulness that meets you there!
Yes I am thankful today that I am one day closer to going back home (been working in the city) and for a quiet weekend coming up! Have been working extra days in the office and I am at the point where I almost have to check the calendar to find out who I am and where I should be! Your new home is such a bonus and yes it will be hard work but it is such a wonderful feeling to know that you have the choice to be there as long as you and your family wish to be. Blessings to you all, Judy xx
I am always so grateful for a food, shelter and things that we tend to take for granted in the west. Even in NA there are many without a home, without warmth, without adequate food, without cable…the list goes on. But we are some of the fortunate ones. Something about the Fall colours also seems to bring out the gratitude in me. Nice to hear you are faring well and the new home really is a blessing. xx
What a beautiful post. And I did want to say that my son is a special ed teacher and often comes home exhausted and in the begining he used to come home in tears for the kids he was struggling to help. You are doing a wonderful job and as my son tells parents all the time Love and understanding can undo a lot of damage. Your love will get everyone through. You my dear are what is known as a true hero.
Oh and just as a side note my son did say children with challenges and extra blessings(his words) really do function better with more sleep and a good schedule but you already know that
He was so impressed when I told him about your children and the strives they have made. So be proud of yourself. Because I know one teacher who is really impressed by you!
Reading about the successes in your childrens lives so far, tell us just how great a Mum you are
. without you where would they be by now. If you have achieved all that in one year, their futures are going to be just fine. Love and understanding…..good parenting. And congratulations on achieving a home of your own for your family.
God bless you! I am always inspired by reading your blog, though I’ve never commented before. I want you to know I am praying for you – I know God is right beside you in all your trials, including your tiredness. You are truly a blessing to your children.
You have turned your over-achieving personality (for whatever reason it is so) into the skillful means to heal and nourish your wonderful children and I think you are all the biggest blessings in one another’s lives. May each day be a little easier and all days filled with that sense of abundance and gratitude. How wonderful it is to have a home of your own!
FT each time you post I am challenged to be kinder and think more about the soul rather than the distractions I have in my life. Thank you.
So good to see this post.. As for my Thankful Thursday,
I am thankful for the herbal teas I have – the rose hips, echinacea… and so glad to have fresh ginger at home.. The warm tea really helps my throat, and helps with my cough (I’m down with flu)
I am so thankful to be able to work from home on a day when I’m down with flu.
I am so thankful that the flu that my daughter has 2 weeks ago is gone!!
i am thankful for finally getting to know about a sewing group nearby, that is very welcoming of all level sewers and for being able to drive there (I very recently got my license, this year) and also that the car is free on that evening for me to use. (one car household!)
I am thankful for your Thankful Thursdays!
Today was one of the craziest I’ve had in a while. I got to the check out ready to pay for my groceries to find I left my money at home. Returning I got back in line (unusually long lines) and had the gift of a woman giving up her spot in line so I could get my groceries (which were already bagged). Coming home I dropped two of my three bags and could do nothing but laugh as I tried to pick them up. A driver stopped and helped, even though I told her I had it under control. I’m thankful I live in a community where people actually think to make another persons day a little easier.
Being thankful helps to remind us that life is really not that bad. Even though there are many challenges in your life it sounds like you have a lot to be thankful for and so many of those you have made happen.
Hi Ft – i cant find your recent post about your $60 food and the meals you had planned- i was hoping to use if for some inspiration !!! Today i am thankful to have my family around me — i love weekends ! I hope your week goes well ! xx
hhmm….I can’t see it either. Strange. I have another one with recipes, probably tomorrow or the next day. Sorry about that, no clue where it went! It was definitely there!!!
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