Give Thanks

Sarah and I talked yesterday about things that were not to our liking in our lives. Sarah reminded me (as she always does) that while it’s easy to focus on the negative in our lives, we (in a general sense) must work to focus more on the positives.

I really try to do that. I truly do. That’s one of the reasons I do confide in Sarah when I’m feeling down about how things are in my life. She is always there to remind me that while things seem bad, I do have a lot to be thankful for.

I have a nice apartment that I can afford. One of my biggest fears before I moved was that I’d live in a dump and I’d have no money to do anything fun. While it has been an adjustment and I can’t do all the things I want, I have a nice place to call home and some extra money (not a whole lot, mind you) to do some fun things now and again.

I’m DYING for a new car. You know one that doesn’t make funny noises and has air conditioning but I’m thankful for the one that I have. It’s paid for, the insurance is WAY cheap and it runs. It gets me around to the places I need/want to go.

I have good friends. It stinks that one of my best friends lives in Idaho but I’m very thankful for email, video chat, homemade cards and plane tickets. I get to talk to her every day over email, we video chat at least once a week (or we TRY) and I get to see her at least once a year. I wish it was more but I’m thankful that we have what we have. Tina and Cindy live here and though I don’t get to see them as often as I’d like, again, I’m thankful for email and phone calls. I don’t know what I’d do with out those 3 wonderful women in my life. I’d probably be very lonely.

Speaking of lonely, that’s a HUGE thing I struggle with – not being in a relationship. I’m literally the only single gal in the people I associate with, it’s rough. And it’s something I’ve dreamed of for as long as I remember – married with children. But, I try to remember, I have freedom since I’m single and childless that my friends don’t. I can come and go as I please, do what I want, sleep in when I want, eat cereal for dinner…etc.

I have a job. Yes, it’s a JOB and I really wish I could hit the lottery so I didn’t have to work but with Ohio unemployment being at almost 10%, I’m luckier then most.

I could literally go on and on.

So, instead of focusing on a car with no air conditioning, less funds then I’d like, a job where I work 9 hours a day, being single, childless, etc, etc….I keep reminding myself I have a LOT to be thankful for. And I’m thankful for friends that remind me of that.