My Optimist

I wanted another optimist to share my joy and love for life alongside me.  It seemed like my friends and my family were letting me down.
 
I complained to my husband.  I complained to my mom.
 
After the complaints died down, Lucy ran behind me as I idly checked my Facebook account.  She threw open the front door, mid-sprint, and let it slam behind her.  The sun was shining as bright as a ray of gold outside.
 
I opened the door and called out to my Lucy, "What are you doing out there, girl?"
 
"I'm chasing the sparkles, Mom!"    
 
And she ran into the sunshine, the bricks of our sidewalk glimmering around her like true magic melting into my heart.

Thankfulness Begets Thankfulness

It's 3:15 AM and time for another insomnia motherhood post.  I know that my little Frank won't wake me up forever.  Just tonight, I slowed down to remember that.  I stroked his soft, fluffy hair while I rocked and nursed him.  The fan buzzed quietly beside the rocking chair.  The rest of the house slept, and Frankie ate.

I am so grateful for my baby boy!  Perhaps more this time than ever with any of my children before this.  How is it that as we age, we become more acutely aware of the preciousness of life?  How did I take for granted the gift I'd been given during three infancies before Frankie's?

Don't get me wrong:  I have always loved and enjoyed my babies.  But this time I have submitted to Frankie.  I am even more patient with my body this time, reminding myself that I am beautiful in my state as a new mother.  That no one will love me more if I crazily try to diet quickly.  Mostly that applies to me----I need not love myself more for dieting quickly.

But I digress. 

This post was actually supposed to be about gratitude.  I've been doing an exercise on Facebook this November that I've tried in other years, but never completely fulfilled.  Each day, I post something for which I am truly thankful.  In addition to Facebook, I keep a handwritten copy of my running list on my refrigerator.  Here it is:

 

 

 

The interesting thing about this gratitude exercise (and something I've learned before, but needed reminding to consider again) is that gratitude begets more gratitude.  Just listing one thing I am truly thankful for every day prompts me to literally count the blessings in my life as November unravels. 

 

What a unique chance to realize more fully the gifts I am given in this life.

 

What perfect opportunity to tell God thank you for the people, the places, the moments, and the things that surround me.