I broke the cardinal rule of mothering, I woke a sleeping child. This morning I woke my son at 7:30 so that I we could drive my husband to work. It was the same on Tuesday and Wednesday. Instead of griping about how annoying it is, I can choose to be grateful that we have even one car and that my husband has a good job. As I bundle my kids up to go out into the cold, I decide to be thankful that they have proper winter coats rather than curse the sub freezing temperatures. I’ll admit that when I hear of more snow in the forecast it’s hard to avoid despair. Another day stuck at home, more days spent digging out. Being positive isn’t always easy.
I wish I could say that I always choose gratitude first, but honestly, it’s usually after a good pity party that I remind myself how much I have to be thankful for. I’m a planner, I like to have some influence and control over my life. But I’ve learned the hard way that most things in life are entirely out of my control. The snow will come and the cars will break down whether I want them to or not. So at least for today, for this hour, I chose to be thankful.
Visiting from FMF! This is wonderful! It is so true that our perspective makes a huge difference in our personal happiness. I like to hang a sign on my door after Christmas that says, “Springtime Cheer Gathers Here.” It reminds me that the winter can only last so long and the spring will push in. Have a lovely day.
SUCH a good reminder that WE choose our attitudes. I pray I can be positive, even with the hardships, this coming week. You’re a breath of fresh air to me tonight…a blessing indeed! Thank you!!
I am with you, my first stop is pity or gripe party then I remember to be thankful. Need to remember that part first instead of last
It’s such a struggle to go with gratitude first, which I think is very much a first world problem. The beautiful people I’ve met from cultures that have much less are also much quicker to be thankful.