Thankful

I simply cannot be a "blogger", and not write some form a "thankfulness post". But I fear that this may turn into a novel. Or an Odyssey-like poem. I will try to keep it simple. Bare with me, my friends.

Every single day I am reminded with how blessed and lucky I am. Maybe it's because I work in a career where every day I'm talking to people who are dealing with bad news, and it  gives me an overwhelming sense of grace. But lately I have really honed in on listening to my patients, and trying to be a shoulder to lean on.

Being that shoulder to lean on, and focusing more on really listening instead stressing about all the work that needs to be done has really made me take a step back and count my blessings.

So here are a few of the things in which I am grateful for:

1. Every single day, I have a home to return to. Let's start with the obvious. It has a roof. During the 100+ dog days of summer, I have the ability to crank that AC to as cold as I want it. When winter comes, I have heat. Our home has unlimited resources. I can shower and wash clothes whenever I please. I can trust the water that comes out of our faucets. These are blessings that are easy to take for granted.
2. Every single day, I return to a home of peace. My home is a sanctuary for me. I have safety around me. I have a husband who loves and respects me. If I need to vent, he listens. If I need advice, he offers. If I need to cry, he consoles. There is no drama. There is no unrest.
3. If I ever am in need of a simple hug, I have numerous people that will give that to me. I remember once listening to a priest from the middle-east speak of a mission in India which houses those with AIDS and mental illness. He told me a story about how when you would hug these people, it was hard to get them to let go. For it was probably the 1st human contact they've experienced in years. Can you imagine a world of such loneliness? In my life, I have so many friends and family who are always willing to extend their loving arms out to me. What a luxury.
4. I have a job that is steady, and that I never have to worry about going away. I have never had to worry about being laid off or losing my job. I work for a company that makes me proud. My colleagues and I support each other. I learn something new every day.
5. A freedom that I often overlook. I can walk out my door, dress how I please, drive where I want, buy what I choose, and have the freedom to speak my opinion. There are countries in our world, where a lot of those freedoms would never exist. Especially as a women.
6. No matter where I go, and what happens in life - there is a constant that is always present. And that is my family. My Mom, Dad, husband, and siblings have always been there to love me and support me no matter what phase I went through in life. And also, my nieces and nephews provide me with so much joy.

Sometimes I get a little blue on holidays that aren't spent buttering lefse in my Mom's kitchen or helping her brine the turkey. It is easy to focus on what I'm missing. So over the years, I really try to focus on how truly lucky I am.

What's on your mind this holiday season?