I am Thankful

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving here in the United States. This is a day to pause, be with family/friends and reflect on all there is to be thankful for. At least that is my take on what today is all about.

I know that I have done more than my fair share of complaining and that’s primarily because I am depressed. However, I’ve been thinking about today and while it’s terribly easy to reflect on the negative and get depressed I want to be positive. We have all been through some storms in our lives. Some storms are stronger than others. Everyone is/has or will go through a storm.

Thinking about all of the things I have to give thanks for outside of my worldly possessions, I have 3 great cats and was blessed in knowing so many more in years past. Even though my cat family isn’t all alive they each have touched me in a special way and even taught me a thing or two. I do miss my spouse but I had so many great years of knowing him and wow he really taught me a lot. How to drive for starters along with many other life lessons. Such as you don’t need to respond to everything, sometimes it’s better to just take it all in.

Then there is my job, something I found and got all on my own. No help from anyone. I started in an entry level position and have worked my way up to be on the team I wanted and doing many tasks that are vital but also enjoyable. I love the knowledge that I have gained and the exposure I have had to various situations. I don’t claim to know it all and I am sure there is plenty more that I will be exposed to and learn from.

I am proud of my accomplishments and how I managed to pull myself back up when all of the chips were down. I am proud that I’ve been able to keep the last promise I made to my spouse, each and every day. I know that he would be quite proud of me as well. I may not have done the very best but I did pour my heart and soul into staying afloat. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t have options and your back is against the wall.

It’s been a long road but I am still here putting my left foot out and then my right and then my left. Life is about moving forward. It may not be fun, easy or what you want but it’s the right thing to do regardless of the situation. Life is also about learning. Each and every day there is something to be learned. The biggest thing is how to treat people and you can learn that by how they treat you.

So today I will remember those that have gone before me … my spouse, my mom, my grandparents, and pets. I will enjoy some good food hopefully have a laugh or two. I will think about those that are less fortunate than me. Those that may not have a roof over their head, a hot meal or health care. There are so many basic things that I have that I take for granted, I think we all loose sight of the simple basics in life and get caught up in our own lives.

Happy Thanksgiving!