Thankful Thursday

I'll be the first to admit that I was not entirely gracious and understanding when I initially got the news about Colby's return home being pushed back.  And it definitely bums me out when I think about the fact that because of a silly mistake, he isn't sitting next to me on the couch right now.  I spent Sunday and Monday in a pretty grumpy mood, wallowing in my anger and frustration, and thinking very unkind, very unladylike thoughts.

Then, it struck me.  I am the only one who can choose my attitude.  I can choose to sit back and let my annoyance overtake me, complain about my problems, have a miserable week, and rely on someone else to bring me happiness.  Or I can dust myself off, acknowledge my sadness, and also acknowledge how much GOOD there is in my life every single day, enjoying each day for what it brings me rather than being angry because of what it does not.

I think sometimes I spend so much time dwelling on the things that go wrong in life, that it's hard to see the good that is there all along.  And when I take a look around me, well, it's a little overwhelming just how much goodness I see.  In honor of Thanksgiving, every Thursday this month, I'm going to take a little time to think about the things that I'm thankful for and give them a shout out here on the old bloggeroo.
Autumn in the South!  For as long as I can remember, Fall below the Mason Dixon line has been my absolute favorite season.  It's cool enough to warrant boots and sweaters, but not so cold that you're bundling up like Eskimos and shivering uncontrollably.
Friends near and far.  I don't think it's possible to survive as a military wife without your own personal army of friends to keep you sane!  I know for sure I'd never have made it through this deployment without the amazing women I've connected with here in Charleston, or my friends scattered across the country.
Okay, so I can't do a cartwheel, but I am incredibly grateful for my good health.  I think that is the thing I take for granted most often--just assuming that I will always be healthy and not appreciating each breath I take.  I know too many people, old and far too young, who have faced dire life-threatening illnesses or injuries, and I should never assume that I'm somehow exempt from the dangers of life.  Every day truly is a miracle.
This guy.  Yeah, I may not need him to make me happy, but I sure am lucky to have found him, and he sure does make the happiness come easily.  (That's what she said.)

What are the things that you're most grateful for today?

Comments

[The Incubator]

"Just what makes that little old ant, think he can move that rubber tree plant?" Remember when we used to sing that -- that's what came to mind when I started reading this:) I think we are genetically predisposed toward the glumly side of life, so proud of you for picking yourself up, dusting yourself off, and smiling all over again!! Happy Thankful Thursday -

[Chelsea]

I should probably learn how to change my attitude about stuff. I learned in my health psychology class that cynical people die sooner than optimistic people. WOOPS. Good post! :)

[Lynn]

I'm grateful for a husband that offered to take our oldest to school when the weather was SO DISGUSTING out.

It's the little things, yo :-)

[katelin]

seriously you are colby are too darn cute, i love it.

and i'm thankful for a new computer at work, a husband that loves me and family that doesn't think i'm too crazy. oh and wearing scarves, i'll be thankful for that when it stops being 90, oy.

[Jessica]

Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear about the postponement in his return. But I'm glad you're looking at the small things near you that you're thankful for. It's all about the little things :)

[Kate P]

I can't do a cartwheel, either! But I'll add that I am thankful that I heard today that my niece and nephews thought the temporary tattoos I mailed them for Halloween were the best thing ever. Seriously, it has not been a easy week, so that was the highlight.

[Heidi Renée]

I am thankful that I can still do a cartwheel.

And probably some other stuff, but that's the first thing I thought.

[Molly]

Today I'm thankful that I don't have one single thing to do and I can be lazy and eat Halloween candy and read blogs & books and watch Hulu and stay in a comfy chair under a warm blanket! Yippeeeeee
(yay for Thankful Thursday.)

[steph anne]

I loved reading this post and it's a great feeling when we're feeling thankful!