Gratitude

Today I'm feeling blue. Down in the dumps, under the weather. This morning I thought I was coming down with something, and after watching shows in bed all morning and feeling sorry for myself, I realize that I'm simply just hitting that point in winter where I'm over it. This weekend was so beautiful, and I think the return to winter temperatures is hitting me poorly. J has been kind to me and has sympathized rather than calling me out on sitting around like a bump on a log for the last two days.

My friend H did a Gratitude Challenge a few months ago, and I promised myself I would do it as well, but of course never got around to it. Today is the day, because I need an attitude adjustment.  How do you participate? Simply write down five things you are grateful for each day – and appreciate the positive things going on in your life rather than focusing on the negative (which we find MUCH easier to do, but isn’t exactly doing much good for any of us).

So, here goes.

1. This year I made the extremely difficult decision to go back to school to become a teacher. It hasn't been easy living off of student loans and credit lines, but the support of my family and J has been overwhelming. They have been there for me every step of the way, and for the first time (in my life, maybe) I can say that I am truly happy. I love being at school, I love teaching, I love volunteering. Their support has made this possible and I am so grateful for them.

2. Last night J and I went for a long walk before bed. We have been so unhealthy and un-active recently, and have both resolved to eat better and try to get in shape. I love where we live, and late at night on a cold January evening, we had a lovely walk. It was a little mini-date. I am so thankful for J, and the things we do together, and our ability to make goals and slowly try to achieve them.

3. One of my girlfriends is getting married, and we're going to Vegas in May for her bachelorette party. No, I'm not thankful that I'm going to Vegas -- I'm thankful, so beyond grateful for the friends that I have, who are all giving their time and money to experience this with her, and with all of us. I have the most beautiful, determined, successful, kind-hearted friends, and that we're 26 and still planning vacations together and making sacrifices to be there for each other is the most wonderful thing of all. They complete me and they encourage and inspire me.

4. I love teaching. I love it, love it, love it. I'm not in teachers college yet, but am teaching two evenings a week at a tutoring centre, and I've never loved a job as much as this one. This job has shown me that there's a reason I'm back in school, and that I'm headed towards a satisfying and inspiring career. I am so incredibly lucky to have been given this opportunity, and it will likely assist me in becoming a teacher in the end.

5. J and I have finally settled into our home. Our home, that we own, that we love, and will not leave for years. We love it so much, and it is so comforting to wake up each day in a place that I love so much. This happened for us so much sooner than I expected it to and I am so beyond grateful that I get to wake up beside my best friend each day, in our beautiful home, loving wholeheartedly where I am and who I'm sharing it with.

Just writing those five little paragraphs has lifted me out of my funk. It's amazing how something so little can inspire you to be so much more positive. I'm ready to face my day, and my week, and start being grateful for the opportunities I have instead of grouching about the mornings.