Living in Gratitude

I am a very conservative woman. When I met my ex-husband, I dared to venture into new territory and experienced things that were many firsts. For that, I will always have gratitude because I loved with heart and soul.

This weekend, a dear friend and I dared to do something different…we took a Burlesque 101 class! I learned about the history of burlesque and learned some great moves. Now, you might think, Jules, what are you taking Burlesque for!?!?! Well, as I said, I am a conservative individual by upbringing and I have decided to experience things outside of my comfort zone. You only live once! Right!?!

I met some beautiful young ladies who demonstrated a love for this art and who opened their homes to teach this “shy” woman and help her find her inner sex appeal!

“Purge - an act of removing by cleansing; ridding of sediment or other undesired elements”

This past weekend was a busy weekend. I ended up hiring a couple of day laborers and took the opportunity to “purge” “stuff” that tended to weigh my family down. It is bulk pick-up this week, so I figured it was the best opportunity to lighten the load in our home. Phew, one never knows how much is accummulated until you complete a purge!

As I looked at the things for bulk pick-up and donation pick-up, I was nostalgic…in the items were memories of the earlier years of moving into our home. They were semblence of the past, of good times and happy memories. Yes, I can honestly say and mean, HAPPY.  For that, I will always be grateful for.  It was now time to move them on.

 I felt gratitude to have been able to have some good workers that went above and beyond to help me, to see that I had been afforded opportunities to buy things for my family through the years and to be able to pass them on to someone else that may now have the need for them.

 I was also filled with so much gratitude when my brother spent the day with me. Just having his presence there, I did not feel alone. He was with me and everything was going to be alright!

 (Click on the Mister Linky graphic below and record your name and your post’s URL so that we can come visit your blog. What, you do not have a blog or journal? That’s okay, write your thoughts in the comments section.)

This past weekend, my little boy found a tee-ball kit he had received last year for his birthday.  It was still in that darn plastic wrap that is hard to remove.  We got it out of the wrap and took it outside and I started to try to teach him how to hit the ball.  I felt silly because I had no idea what I was doing, but I gave it a try, either way.  As I did, I was thinking that his dad should be doing this, but I immediately removed that thought and felt grateful that I was the one teaching him and that I hope that some day that is the memory he will have about his momma.  I know when I think back I am grateful for my mom teaching me to make toritillas and to cook different meals.  Through her, I also learned about staying true to your family, first, and sacrificing for them at all costs.  I, too, hope I can teach my children a few things along the way.

What thought of gratitude does “teach” conjure up for you?

 (Click on the Mister Linky graphic below and record your name and your post’s URL so that we can come visit your blog. What, you do not have a blog or journal? That’s okay, write your thoughts in the comments section.)

“A thought-provoking story…”

I will begin our first gratitude Thursday with the above phrase.

On my way in to work, the radio personality was recounting the story about the woman who threw her two young children over the bridge during early morning rush-hour traffice about 3 weeks ago in Dallas; then jumping, herself. By a miracle, all survived. The purpose of the story that morning was that the radio station, with help from the listeners, wanted to do something that would be meaningful and helpful for the children - something that would help lessen the tragedy for them, whether it be now or in their future.

Over the past year, my family and I were faced with a series of trials. There are days that I think, “Why is this happening to me? Is there ever really any happiness?” Somebody even told me, “It’s like you have a dark cloud over you.” When I heard that, I just wanted to cry. Well, I could think the same and choose to base my life on that one statement, however, listening to the story of this mother who felt that life was so bad, she had to end the life of her children and herself, I started thinking how grateful I am that I have an awesome support system of God, family, friends, and church that I can turn to in times of need. That, with them and through them, I have overcome many things I have faced during my adulthood.

I am also grateful for the determination, courage, strength and hope I have that, up to now, have been the stepping stones to the path of moving forward, no matter what the situation.

What about you? What story have you heard that has made you grateful?

(Click on the Mister Linky graphic below and record your name and your post’s URL so that we can come visit your blog. What, you do not have a blog or journal? That’s okay, write your thoughts in the comments section.)