Wine-n-Chat: Gratitude Wrap Up

I did not post on Facebook something I was grateful for each day in the month of November. While I enjoyed reading all the things my friends posted, I did not partake in that exercise. And it is not because I am any less grateful or because I do not count my blessings. I just did not need one more thing to tie me to this lovely computer or one more thing to have to worry about. I have a lot on my plate as it is—and sometimes “just one more thing” could make me certifiable.

And yet—my heart is filled with gratitude for so many things!! And I thought a post to wrap-up some of the things I am grateful for would be appropriate. As most of my faithful readers will tell you—I have a boat load of gratitude for my friends and family—so I’m going to name some other things that I’m very thankful for right now!!

My Job. I have to tell you that for a few years—my career looked iffy. What I mean is—I left a secure position (well as secure as any position comes) and went into business for myself. I had a good run of it—but with some corporate greed mixed in with a down turning economy—I found myself closing the doors and seeking employment. The first thing that happened was I was hired by a financially sinking company—only to be laid off 6 months later. Not wanting to settle for unemployment—I took a contract position that amounted to less than minimum wage—only to finally be rescued by a small Mom and Pop Company and a part time job caring for an elderly lady. And even then—I was working long hours, 7 days a week, for next to nothing in wages. However—I was thankful I had some sort of job when I knew so many that could not get hired and facing hard times. I knew I was fortunate—because besides the contract position and working for the elderly lady—all the other positions (my own company, the short bout with the sinking company, and the position with the small mom and pop company) were all working from home.

Then the opportunity to work for a Global Solutions provider in the Logistics field, became available. This is my field—something that I was perfect for!! The awesome part is they called me! And they offered me a position to work from home back in February of this year. I just needed to go up north for a short while and get trained. I started the first week of March. I can not tell you how much this position means to me. How much I enjoy working for a company and doing something I love!! I’m grateful I am able to do this from my home—making things less stressful on my already hectic life. It makes all the difference to love what you do—and I’m so blessed to be able to do just that.

Positive People. I do believe it takes a special sort of heart to always be able to look at and find the good in the most dire of situations. It takes a special kind of person to see the bigger picture when all you are holding is a piece of the puzzle, and not a clue where the rest of it can be found. It is a rare person, in my humble opinion, who truly lives with a positive outlook that is deep seeded and genuine. I say this—because I know a lot of people who claim to be “positive” (because really, they don’t want to be seen as negative) and yet throw them a curve ball and you’ll get to know them for who they really are, which is usually anything BUT positive.

I don’t claim to be a ‘positive’ person—nor do I claim to be a ‘negative’ person. I have always been a ‘realist’ and that means I call things like I see them. I can be on top of the world encouraging my friends one moment –and then be really down on myself the next because I know in the grand scheme of things I’m just no worse nor any better than anyone else. I do try to humble myself when I look at things and situations that way.

So when I am blessed to have a friend in my life that is positive—not because it is trendy and not because they’ve issued it as a self-proclamation, rather they are this way because it is part of the fabric that makes them who they are—I can not tell you what a wonderful and awesome feeling that is. It is their authentically positive, uplifting, and encouraging ways that gives me hope—that make me see things from a different perspective. It seems—I’ve always had this sort of person in my life at one time or another. I owe a debt of gratitude to these people who set the example of how I want to be for others and who emulate that someone I should strive to be at all times. These people truly inspire me—the truly amaze me—and for that I’m beyond grateful!!

Sunrise-Sunset-and Seasons. There is something about the Sun rising and setting that seems to put things into perspective. The changing of the seasons helps us appreciate the cycle of life. While some things are just beginning—other things are coming to an end, and there is a purpose for each and every stage of life in between the two. When I say my morning prayers—I look forward to a new day of possibilities, and when I meditate in the evening, I reflect on all that has transpired with a heart of gratitude. And I may not understand the reasons behind every event of the day, but I learn to accept that it is part of what keeps the cycle of life in balance. Not always an easy pill to swallow—as sometimes these events can adversely affect me. However—I need to recognize that my reactions and actions carry weight—my attitude is the driving force—and the event may very well be defined by how I handled things. Thank the Lord he gave me these reminders.