![Picture](/uploads/4/6/1/1/46115245/8240016.jpg)
February has always been my favourite month. Not only because it's my birthday BUT because it is the month of my favourite holiday .....VALENTINES! My Husband and I not only share a birthday in February but we also celebrate our Wedding Anniversary on Valentine's Day. Through this Journey I've learned that we have to count our Blessing rather than our trials. The more we focus on gratitude and the blessings in our life, the more the Universe will send them our way. If we aren't thankful for what we have, we will never be able to have more, and I know this can be difficult at times, especially when going through trials. I use to look at my nervous breakdown in 2009 as a "curse" but over the last couple years I see it now as a blessing as it forced me to "grow" and "heal" things I always stuffed under the carpet. God never gives us more than we can handle (although at times I wish he didn't think I was so strong), and all we go through in life shapes us into the person we are meant to be. I started doing a "gratitude" post and in honor of "LOVE MONTH" I have decided to pick 10 things I am Thankful for and post them here. I HIGHLY recommend you try and chose one thing daily that is a blessing in your life, it can totally change your whole day and outlook on life (as too often we focus on other peoples lives and what others have and don't appreciate our blessings).
I am thankful for:
I am thankful for:
- Waking up each day, when so many out there will not be able to experience this
- For my boys, they are the loves of my life, my inspiration and my joy. Although they can stress me some days, they fill my life with many blessings. I am SO proud of the both of you, you have grown up to be two amazing young men!
- My Husband who has been my ROCK and has helped me through many ups and downs, who has loved me on days I was not loveable and who supports my dreams even when they cost lots of money!
- Coby, our non human family member, who is the only person I know to be excited to see you even when you just leave the room for 2 seconds! Who loves you unconditionally and can never stay mad at you. For the hugs, cuddles and kisses just when you need them
- My Dad for being the BEST Dad anyone could ever ask for. He raised 2 girls on his own and is my hero. He gave us more love than most people get with two parents. I wish I could be half the parent he was.
- My family for being the most amazing role models anyone could ask for, for always being there when I needed it and for bringing much love into my life. I have far too many to mention, but the ones I really need to bring up are my Oma for the strong faith she brought to our life, and showing us what unconditional love is. She was a true Angel on earth. My Sister for stepping in when my Mom passed and always knowing me better than I knew myself and for being such a STRONG person - I wish I could have half her strength! My Uncle Rudy for reminding me to "not worry what others think of me, as it's none of my business what others think - and for bringing the most amazing woman in to our lives who I consider family - Love you Marie! I'll ALWAYS be your "little small fry" - thanks for always watching over me. My Aunts/Uncles and cousins for always being there for us when we were growing up without a Mom, the memories we shared with you will last a lifetime. My Grandma and Grandpa for bringing humor into my life, for being the "ear" when I needed it and for giving us opportunities that we NEVER would have had without your blessings. You promised "you'd be back" and you sure have kept it. My nephews Ty and Logan (my second sons) for bringing such joy to my life - you two always seem to bring a smile to my face and remind me to find the joys in life. Love you "Ricco and Chicco" ! My Mother and Father in law for always being there for us when we need it and for all the fun times we share together. Last but not least, My Mom. Even though we only had four years together, I will cherish the little memories I have of you and I KNOW you are always right here beside me. Thank you for being the strongest women I know, the battles you faced and the fight you fought mean more to me than you will ever know. I am PROUD to be your daughter (and to look like you) and I can't wait till the day I can be in your arms again (well....not too soon though !)
- My Friends (both here and those I have met on Facebook). Friends are like Angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble flying - this is SO true, I am blessed to have EACH AND EVERYONE of you in my life. Thanks for always being there when I need it. Especially to my BS/BF for life. We may not be family by blood, but we are family in our hearts. We have been best friends since birth, we've shared MANY memories together (some good, some bad and some VERY interesting!) and you still stand by my side through the thick and thin. I know I don't get to see you as much as I'd like, but I love you more than you know. Holly, thanks for being the BEST friend anyone could ever ask for. I look forward to MANY more years of memories with you!
- For our Business, our employees who help keep it running and our customers who continue to put their trust in us. We are very blessed!
- For the trials in my life that have helped me to learn, grow and heal. Without them, I may not be the person I am today. While they were not easy and some days I never thought I would make it through them, I am thankful for what they have changed in me.
- For my health - while it's not perfect, it always could be worse. What always keeps me going and gets me through are two sayings that remain stuck in my mind always:
- "Always remember someone has it worse off than you" - this is SO true! No matter what obstacle we are facing, someone, somewhere out there is facing a much harder battle and making it through it, so NEVER give up and give it all your fight.
- "We need to get sick once in awhile so we appreciate when we are healthy" - famous words my Oma use to say to us. How true is this! We often take life for granted and so often don't appreciate things until they are gone. How many times have you not appreciated waking up healthy until you get the flu and see just how bad it can be.