Thursday, July 24, 2014

Remember Your Blessings

Today I had a doctor's appointment at an awesome office that is about 30 minutes away from where I live. While normally I detest driving, today's drive was really nice.  It was a feel good, music blaring, sing-your-heart-out kind of drive that allowed me a nice amount of time to reflect on my life.

This past month has left me in a funk. There are a number of reasons. My baby boy will be a year old next month. That fact alone has me wondering where the time has gone. I've also felt the extreme pressure of being the person in charge of our financials. I'm proud that I've provided for my family financially pretty much on my own this past year, but it has been hard, which took a toll this month. There a few other thoughts that have left me feeling lackluster but today's drive and a dose of sunshine helped me out.

It's easy to get caught up with thoughts like  "Why us?" or "Gee, it must be nice to have that," when you are constantly having the world share their blessings with you. Social media gives us the ability to instantly share our thoughts, feelings, and treasures. It makes sense that people want to share their successes and what makes them happy. I know when something makes me excited from my head to my toes I want to share that with the world because it's a good feeling. However, I've been so caught up in thinking I am not where I want to be that I stopped looking at the blessings right in front of me. My success is not measured by being in the same place as others. My life is only based on where my family and I are heading compared to where we standing in the past.

How can I be in a funk when I have friends like these? I have been friends with these amazing women since high school. Through thick and thin we always find time to meet up with each other and be there for one another. We call ourselves "The Breakfast Club" because for four years of high school we always had breakfast together before classes started for the day. Looking back now, that was a gift many don't recieve and I'm happy we are still friends.

There's no time to feel sour when I can whip up a sweet treat that satisfies on a hot day. I successfully made iced coffee for the first time and it was delicious! The hubby loved it which means I rock. If I can make him smile then my day has been worth it. Iced coffee in a bubbly and bright owl tumbler makes life grand. This picture also means more than just enjoying a coffee. It represents having a life where I am able to sit back and relax for a few, letting the world go on its merry way without me. Not everyone has that opportunity. Life is a daily struggle with some of us struggling more than others. I am grateful that my burdens are few at this point and time in my life.

My greatest blessing of all is this little man right here. He's happy, healthy and that, my friends, is worth its weight in gold. Everyday I stress myself out because my dreams and hopes for my baby boy are huge. I worry about having enough money to provide for him. I wonder if we will be able to go on vacations that create lasting memories. I pray everyday that he feels loved, safe and secure. I just need to stop and look at him to let the stress melt away. He IS loved, safe and secure. This baby boy has a quirky, loving, happy personality that I need to soak in. I can learn a thing or two from this almost-one-year old.

There is no need to wait just once each year to count your blessings. Do it every single day because it's easy to lose sight of your life and get lost. My family is headed for nothing but amazing times if just remember my blessings.