I've Got A Blue Gratitude

Choices

1) I have choices.  When M attacks me, I do not have to quietly listen.  I can leave.  I can say stop.  I can have someone there who will observe when I am paralyzed by fear.  My fears are in my head - some legitimate - but not all.  I have new ways of dealing with people and situations.  I am more than my fear.  I am stronger than my terror.  I have friends who can remind me of that.

2)I am a child of God. 

3) I have two great dogs who love me.

1) That I can laugh - even when crying seems to be the more logical option.

2) That my daughter is ok.  Had a scary incident with overheating, hyperventilating and culminating in a panic attack.  She was scared but ultimately she is fine.  My son was incredibly kind an helpful throughout the event.  It's not often I see them at anything other than each other's throats.

3) Sleep.

Harriet

1) This was my Mom's birthday.  If she were alive, she would be 67 years young today.  She died 11 years ago and altlhough I miss her everyday, the time has replaced pain of her loss with memories of her life.  I am so very blessed to have been born to such a wonderful woman.  Memories of her love, her laughter and her zest for life and motherhood bring a smile to me. When she was alive I knew that one persone loved me unconditionally and unalterably and that is a blessing.  I hope that my children can say that of me.

2) Harriet was a fearless crafter and I am grateful that I got that from her.  It was her example of, "that sounds fun, let's try it" that ignited my passion for knitting.

3) Harriet held her family together and for that I am ever so grateful.  Since her passing, I have come to see how very hard that was for her.  She was the heart of her family and an example that I aspire to live up to.

No Cavities in this gift horse

1) Computer Problems - thought to be terminal.  Wonderson fixed.  Don't know how and really don't want to look the gift horse in the mouth.

2) Socks.  I finally learned how to knit 'em!  Wahooo!  Now there's the most fun I've had with needles.

3) Sunshine and spring.  How great!!!

Tax Day

1) OK - I'm not grateful for taxes.  But I am grateful that I live in a country free of enemy invaders or peacekeepers patrolling our streets.

2) I am grateful for health insurance and the availability of health care.

3) I'm grateful that I live in a country where public demonstrations are permitted and voicing my opinion is acceptable.  I'm grateful that I personally do not feel compelled to do either.

Middleoftheroad

1) Nothing tragic happened to me although I have had this sense of impending doom.

2) The world is becoming greener in my neck o' the woods.

3) I didn't have to sit outside in cold rain to watch a softball game.

You say that like it's a bad thing

My kids the other day called me Amish.  I think they meant it as an insult.  After reviewing our house policy on never, ever, no, not never insulting groups of people based on ethnicity, lifestyles, etc. I thought - huh?  Maybe they meant it as a good thing.  Because to me it is.  I grew up near a large Amish community and in that area, it was an insult.  But as a small child, I REALLY wanted to be Amish.  Even then, I was drawn to simple living.  So, after a moments pause, I thanked them.  I'm thankful for people of different ways of living and I'm grateful that I have grown beyond my upbringing.  And this little Amishwannabe who is quite fond of indoor plumbing was out buying seeds today for my very own garden!  I'm grateful I can pick and choose which parts of my life are important and can nurture those parts.

I'm grateful for our local Farmer's Market.  With the economy what it is lately, I am so grateful that I can support local agriculture so easily because of the market.

I am grateful for dreams and making them come true.  I have dreamed of having a garden for years and this year I'm gonna!  OK - more like a tiny plot - all right - honestly - it's one raised bed - but it's mine!

Arts

1) I'm grateful for teachers in the arts.  To share their passion with children and expand their worlds is a gift to the children and me as a parent. 

2) I had an assignment at work today.  I completed it early, beyond what was requested and felt incredibly competent when discussing the nuances with a group of people.  It felt good and I'm glad that I could recognize not only my own worth to the organization but extrapolate that recognition to a wee bit of self-esteem.

3) Leftovers.  Dang, I'm a good cook sometimes and other times I just appreciate what's left!

Self Confidence

I've always had difficulty with self-esteem but not self-confidence.  They are actually different. 

1) I am grateful that I am a good cook and that I and my kids are willing to try new things.

2) I am grateful that I have the ability to be a mature responsible adult - when I choose to.  Now about making those bettter choices...

3) I am grateful I took a huge "to-do" off my list today.  I don't know why I procrastinate - but I'm glad I finally took that positive step.

1) Wonderful, pollinating, cleansing, littering, gusting wind.

2) Hand made socks from a knitting friend.

3) Cottonball clouds and glittering sunshine and wind - did I say wind?!