THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL

This year has been one to recon with! It definitely had its low points, some more devastating than others, but it has also had its great moments. I can say for sure that I have so much to be thankful for. Many losses this year, but some were very necessary. This time has allowed me to grow through some tragic hardships. It has pushed me to be a better me and taught me to appreciate not just who I am but Whose I am.

As I approach 50 years on this earth, I am truly excited. There was a time in my life that I did not think I would make it to see 18 let alone 50! I made some poor choices, but they all taught me some great lessons. I am just grateful that I am still here to be able to encourage others that if I could make it through so can they. It is about having that never give up attitude. I promise, no matter how dark or low it gets, if you keep pushing it will get better. Even if the situation does not change, you will. I used to think that things would only get better if the situation changed, and most of the time it was me that needed to change. Our perspective is our reality and sometimes that perspective needs to be put in check.

Through all the loss and shifts in my life I do my best to live every day with a thankful heart. As my Mother always says, “Find the silver lining in it all.” So even when things do not go how I would like for them to go I am thankful for the outcome, the lesson, the protection, or all of the above. I encourage you to focus on the good things in your life no matter how small you may think they may be. What we focus on will grow, so “fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8.