Today I am Thankful for the struggles

**Dancing Lotus** · 11-27-2008, 01:19 PM

I already posted this as a reply in another thread but after reading it I felt it deserved to be said again.

I am lucky enough to have family and friends. I have friends who may not have enough for themselves and yet they would split what they had with me if I was in need. I have family that is well off enough to help. My parents would never let us go without. Now my pride is another thing. It would take a lot to get me to ask but at least I know it is there.

Recently a lot of things have happened that have reminded me just how lucky and spoiled I really am. I think I have struggles but they are nothing compared to some.

I complain because I have no medical, I complain because I have no dental and need work. I feel sorry for myself because when my friends go out to lunch I have to excuse myself because I don't have money. And yet here I sit at my computer in my warm house with clean clothes on and a Turkey in the oven. I am blessed and I have been too selfish to know it.

Today I am thankful for everything , even the struggles because without the struggles we forget to be Thankful.

**frugalbabe** · 11-27-2008, 10:09 PM

You are so right and this is well written. Even if I had no festive food today just the fact that I get to sit in my home surrounded by the chatter and laughter of those I love makes me so blessed. I wouldn't trade my life for anything.

**PrairieRose** · 11-27-2008, 11:24 PM

Was it Sheryl Crow who said "it's not having what you want but wanting what you've got"? I agree. Once we start being more thankful more good things come to us......

**phoeny_moonstar** · 11-28-2008, 02:44 AM

I think sometimes we all forget about our struggles to get to the place where we are now. Thank you for reminding me that I would be a different person if it weren't for those hardships in my life. Your post was heart felt and very touching.

**Dancing Lotus** · 11-28-2008, 09:10 AM

Lately in real life I have been surrounded by people who have more then they need. I have been spending time with very materialistic people. At first it was a challenge to fit in, to act as if I had as much as they did. But it didn't take long before there attitudes started to affect me.

**Cricket1** · 11-28-2008, 08:41 PM

Well, Miss Ann, come over to FV anytime to get a dose of reality. I love your post. You rock!

**monkeywrangler71** · 11-28-2008, 09:48 PM

Sunday I was talking about the lottery for some reason, so when my husband was out he bought me a ticket. Things have not been the best around here lately and when he gave it to me I made a back handed comment about it being our turn for something good. I immediately felt awful that I said that, and I still feel terrible about it. It's sickening to think that with all that I have that I could be so ungrateful.

Have you ever kept a gratitude journal? I think I may start one. It seems like a great way to remember to be positive and thankful for what is good in your life, rather than focusing on what isn't working (which I think is a more natural inclination, at least for me).

**rainbowgc** · 11-29-2008, 12:12 PM

Wow, very well written. Thanks for sharing it with us.

**cmdarlin** · 11-30-2008, 08:55 AM

Ann, I think what you said was exactly right. Despite the problems DH and I have gone thru, I counted myself blessed to have a turkey in the oven and family to share it with. My son brought over the baby and he had us all laughing and smiling. There's just something about a baby learning to walk... Watching him just made my troubles and worries melt away.

Debbie