Thankful

This past year has been one of the most difficult of my life.  It was on Thanksgiving last year that my life became so much more challenging.  But, like in all difficult times, one has the ability to choose to make things better. We all have the ability to stand up, breathe, get support, and move forward positively (as positively as possible).  That is what I chose to do. It was difficult. It was daunting. But, in one year, I am amazed at the difference in my life.

On this Thanksgiving weekend, I would like to take a few minutes to reflect on many things for which I am very thankful.

In good times and bad, I am thankful for my husband. We have come a long way in one year and I am proud of the work we have both done to make today a possibility. I am thankful for all that my husband has done in the last eight months to really bring our family together as one.

(Edited to add …. I discovered after separation in January, 2016 that my husband was keeping secrets from me … he wasn’t who I thought he was.) If you would like to learn more, you can read the post I wrote in February, 2017, One Year Ago Today. Since that time, things got really bad, with many court appearances and a ton of money lost (in various ways). 

I am thankful for my family and friends. They are the ones who also helped me through this most challenging year. They welcomed us openly into their arms, their hearts, and even their homes. And, for that, I will forever be grateful.  They gave me strength when I thought I didn’t have any. They gave me words when I was speechless. They gave me hope when things felt the opposite.

I am forever thankful for my three wonderful children. They make me laugh every single day. I am grateful for their snuggles, for their kisses, and for their never-ending hugs. I am grateful for their resilience and their love.

My work provides me with so much for which to be grateful. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a positive part of so many children’s lives. I am grateful that children and their parents feel comfortable enough and trust me enough to be open and honest about their own challenges in an effort to get help. I am humbled by their trust and by their belief in my ability to help.

I am grateful for having such a wonderful an administrative partner. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to learn from and with such an amazing educator and leader in education. She always has such a wonderful positive attitude, while still being truthful. She has already taught me so much in our 2 months together as a team.

My PLN is such an inspiration that I am always grateful for their ongoing enthusiasm toward learning and growth. These educators truly push my thinking. They make me reflect constantly. And, to top it off, they are their to help start my day in a positive way – whether that is listening to their podcasts, connecting with them on Twitter or Facebook, or listening to them belt out a tune on Voxer. What a wonderful supportive group!

Those are some of the people for whom I am grateful. I am also grateful for my health. Without my good health and ability to get out and enjoy the weather and exercise, I would not be who I am today.  It’s so important not to take our health for granted.  You just never know when things can change drastically and dramatically. I am grateful to my physiotherapist who has helped in the healing of my back from my car accident in July.

My list would not be complete if I didn’t include a couple other things I am grateful…

I am grateful to live in such a beautiful part of the world. We really are very fortunate to live here! Every weekend, I am always so in awe of our beautiful surroundings. Many people are not nearly as fortunate as us here in the lower mainland. It’s important that we don’t take our stunning environment for granted.

I am grateful for chocolate. I know that may seem silly, however, it’s true, I am grateful for chocolate. I love chocolate! I love really good dark chocolate, preferably, however, sometimes any kind of chocolate will do!

AND, I am grateful to you!

Thank you to those who read (and those who comment on) my blog.

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving, everyone!

During this weekend, try to take a few minutes to reflect on some things for which you are also grateful.