This week I had a pretty bad day, but luckily this is Thanksgiving week. I’m usually pretty good at the whole “being thankful” thing, but it’s pretty hard when bad things seem to happen one after another. The way I always get myself out of the funk that happens from feeling beaten down by life is by listing all the things for which I am grateful.
As Thanksgiving approached this year, it seemed that I couldn’t catch a break: bad back spasms, a water-in-the-basement scare (which luckily was unfounded), and a flying rock that cracked my windshield as I was driving, just to name a few. I consciously took a step back in order to remind myself of all the amazing blessings I’m lucky enough to have in my life.
I always start with the roof over my head. We went through a lot to be where we are today, including those oh-so-lovely 21 weeks (and one day) of living in the “hometel”. When I think about this home, I think about how lucky I am to have the perfect half to my whole…the guy who has stood by my side through it all, and who carried me when I was at my lowest. I think about our little family and the perfect (albeit simple) life we have made together.
Then I think about my MS family. I couldn’t put together a better support system than this group. Just when people I thought were my friends had walked out of my life, the universe gave me them to fill the holes in my heart. To feel so completely understood and loved, despite all of my flaws and limitations, is comforting and, at the same time, liberating somehow.
I think about my nephew, Lucas, who has taught me how to love even more deeply than ever before. While he isn’t officially a part of my bloodline, he has been a part of me since before he even got here, and I simply can’t get enough of him. He is pure love and there is no sweeter sound than his giggle, no better view than that smiling face. I’m thankful that because I am no longer working, I can be a constant in his life, not just some random relative that drifts in and out.
I also think about how the fact that I am not working allows me time to work on me. I can now pay attention to my body and treat it well so that my MS behaves as much as possible. Of course I know that part is not always in my control, but by controlling the things I am capable of, I feel more empowered than ever. I owe so much of this to my trainer who always pushes me harder than I think I can manage, and who is WAY more than just my trainer.
But mostly I’m truly thankful for little things that remind me how beautiful life is: the changing seasons, a great sunset, happily snoring puppies, or even a great, big hug. I could go on and on listing my blessings, but I’m sure you get the point. How could I possibly dwell on those few bad things once I started counting my blessings? Try it. You’ll see.