I have learned this year that I truly get the most out of helping people. Whether it is by a simple text in the morning, by helping a friend move, but sitting back and listening to someones problem(s). All in all- its doing for others than actually doing for myself. A simple smile in Starbucks in the morning can go a long way.
(Quick side note) One thing I truly miss about working in retail was seeing so many different people, hearing those stories and reaching out and touching peoples lives, WHILE AT WORK. I knew that each day would bring me something new. New people, new stories, new lives. it was all NEW. I loved helping those men find something for their wife, or girlfriend or mom (ah. melt my heart). OR a mother who came in finding a gift for their daughters wedding day. It meant so much to me. It made me leave work with such a big grin and my heart so full!
back to my list. 10 things this year I have to be thankful for-
1. I am thankful for my family. My mom and sisters have touched my heart like no other. We have always been so close and looked out for each other. We had each others best interest in mind. My mom brings the warmth to my heart every day. She has taught me how to love and I know that I want to be just like her with my children one. day. Edwin's family is now my family... they have such big hearts and I am so glad to have such wonderful people in my life and i know God has placed them in my life for such a special reason.
2. I am thankful for health. Tragic illnesses are worldwide and this year I have been touched by a few of those. I am so thankful to have my health and be able to wake up everyday and KNOW that I can take care of my body and live a healthy life each day.
3. I am thankful for faith. This year has been hard for me, I admit to not attending church like I truly want. I am searching for that right church home and its hard. I pray each day that God directs me to where he wants me to belong. I know I can make a difference in someones lives and they can make in mine. I thank him each and every day for showing me faith and keeping me believing.
4. I am thankful for love. This past year with Edwin has opened my eyes to a new outlook of love. He has showed me how much one person can love someone. He takes care of me, and by a look in his eyes I know how much he loves me. He loves his family and now I am apart of that. So grateful for his tender heart and huge hugs he gives me everyday. Hes not afraid to say he loves me. Hes not afraid to show he loves me. That is what love is. Fall in love with as many things possible.
5. I am thankful for shelter. To have a home and a warm place to sleep at night is so heartfelt. People take it for granted (as do I). I try to remember that so many people go without. This year Edwin and I have made our house a home. So thankful for that.
6. I am thankful for dreams. One of the most important things to me in life is dreams. No one can tell me how far my dreams can be. They make me function and grow within my self. They always say "the sky is the limit".. no matter what I will ALWAYS have my dreams and where I want to take life. no holding back.
7. I am thankful for school. To learn and grow with my schooling is so important to me right now. I start clinic in August and I pray that I touch peoples lives with the education God has given me. I can not wait to start in the field that I have dreamed of.
8. I am thankful for pictures. This may seem silly to some of you. But to me, its a huge part of my world these days. I know I have posted in the past how much my family and especially my mom has brought photographs into our lives. A day that passes by without a picture being taken is sad to me. I love to look back and see what happened in my life a year from now, or 5 years from now.. Its magical that in today's world you can do that. how special.
9. I am thankful for my mistakes. Without these , I wouldn't be where I am today. No one is perfect and that is so alright with me. The amount of mistakes I make on a daily basis mold me into a better person. They also show others and help them chose whats right for them.
10. I am thankful for strangers. My number 10, is pretty up there. Everyday we all pass strangers, on the sidewalk, grocery store or even in your office (which i do alot). Those strangers are someones brother, someones father, sister, mother, daughter. They are put on this earth to make a difference in someones life just like you and me. Turning strangers into friends, or colleagues or even neighbors you never spoke to is what its all about. Building those relationships to define your self.
Like i said, I have thousands of new things each day to be thankful for that God has placed in front of me. These are a few that have stuck around for a while, and I don't think will be going anywhere, anytime soon.
What are you thankful for?
