I've walked through much in my life of 46 years. I've written about much of it in my blog and some I haven't. I think one of my favorite sayings is "Its not happy people who are thankful, but thankful people who are happy." Sooooooo much truth to that.
I've walked through many fires in my life, and I could complain of the smell of smoke on my clothes, or I could thank God that I was not consumed...its a choice.
Many of us have walked through some tough things in life. Hard, hard, horrible things, but what is it that are we focusing on? I've been abused, abandoned, neglected, rejected, cheated on, I've suffered loss that would tear your heart out....My heart has been beaten and broken down to the point of wanting to give up. Much of what I have walked through is what has made me who I am today because I am now stronger, bolder, confident, passionate, compassionate, and loving. I could be mad but I would much rather be glad. I could choose to keep one foot stuck in the mud, or I could pull it out and move forward.
A couple weeks ago I was dealing with a mix of emotions after a significant loss of someone in my life. I had so many emotions that I just couldn't process it, and adding it to other stress, I felt like I was losing it. My family was dealing with their own emotions, and so I didn't want to take the mess of emotions I was feeling, along with deep grief from the past this loss stirred up home, and bombard them in their own grief and emotions. I found myself instead just driving and crying, and driving some more. I wasn't sure where I was going..but I just drove. After several hours I ended up at my best friends house unannounced and I was a giant mess. He gladly dropped his plans and welcomed me in. Walking me through it, allowing me to vocalize every word and emotion that surfaced without judgment until I was able to process it all. When I left I was in a much better place than when I had arrived. My family was relieved to know where and with whom I was, and although still grieving, was doing much better. I had made a choice in the midst of processing it all. I could look at the glass half full or half empty, or just be thankful that I had a glass. I could focus on the loss or focus on the beautiful memories. I could be mad at the unfairness of it all, or be glad for the time we'd been given. All of it, a choice.
I think of all the places Ive walked or fallen down in my life...Ive chosen to get back up. Every time I choose to get back up the scenery seems more beautiful. God continues to make beauty from ashes from the fires of which Ive walked.
I am blessed with an amazing husband whose love, support and patience blesses me beyond measure, along with my family. Ive been blessed with the best friends a girl could ever wish for and I am richer because they are part of my life. I am blessed with parents and my brother who are always there and have always been there to support me in every moment of my life. I'm blessed with a God who loves me enough that He sent His son to die for me and he cared enough to bless me with these AMAZING people who are ALL family to me. I choose to celebrate all that God has done and all that He will do.
I am happy because I choose to be thankful. I'm not bitter because I have chosen to be BETTER.
I choose a grateful heart, because a grateful heart will always get you further in life. Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more.
