Yesterday I was out of commission as I received a visit from my long lost friend, Señor Stomach Flu! It had been two years almost to the day that I had last seen my friend, and I must say I would have not minded never seen him again! By far the stomach flu is the WORST! Constant trips to the bathroom...paying homage to the porcelain god without having some crazy story of debauchery to go along with it is no fun at all! Today, needless to say, I have returned to a healthier state...still a bit weak, but back to life as normal...work, therapy, home, kids, chores, etc! But during my down time yesterday...when my head hurt too much to read and watching lots of TV was out of the question...(too many food commercials and cooking shows due to the holidays)...I spent a great deal of time thinking and reflecting on life...in general, but also on mine specifically.
I took stock of all my blessings...a wonderful family, great friends, a good job...and then I asked myself...why do I bitch so much? There are soooooooo many people suffering right now....the economy is hit, jobs are disappearing, depression and crime are on the rise, relationships are ending all around me, yet life still goes on for all of these people. With the holidays around the corner, I took my down time to think about all I have to be grateful for, and I realized that my blessings far out way my burdens. This led me to thinking that the concept of "giving thanks" really needs to be daily...just like Oprah, the Secret, and soooooooo many others have been talking about for years! If we just took 5 minutes every day to journal, reflect or even verbally express those things we're thankful for, our daily burdens would seem so much lighter!
I'm thankful for my amazing mother who is truly the most selfless person I know. That selflessness had been a tremendous source of support, but in turn has taught me how important it is in life to be selfish...to never forget or lose yourself when serving others...which unfortunately is what she has done too many times....
I am thankful for my husband and two children...our life together has been very trying, yet has also led me down the road of personal and emotional growth...Steph pointed out to me the other day that it is amazing all these great people I have found in my life as of late....so true, and I must say that my family circumstances have guided me to these people, to their support, insight, and love...
I'm thankful for my brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, etc...All of their different points of view and life experiences help me become a stronger, more well-rounded individual...and each one of them has had a part in my formation...
I'm thankful for my career which has also allowed me to meet and network with great diversity, and has even allowed me to form some spectacular relationships...some true friendships that will be with me for life!
I never thought that Señor Stomach flu would bring about such gratitude...but it just goes to show how even during the WORST moments, one can be enlightened!
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Thank you for the beautiful reminder to do what's most important--it is odd that gratitude can be so difficult. Love and gratitude, 2 sides of the same coin. Sorry it took a lot of puking to bring you into such a state of grace...i'll try harder or who knows what will happen to me...and btw, it actually sounds more like food poisoning--it gets mistaken for flu about 60% of the time...yeah, you created a beautiful life for yourself. be grateful and PROUD of what you have birthed all around you. -S
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