GRATITUDE SERIES POST

Tonight I am grateful for the perfect Christmas.

The cobbler burnt, i lost every game of Golf, we misplaced a few of Santa’s gifts, i have piles of dishes and laundry and took multiple walks and drives with every combination of family member and pet. I still have Christmas cards and gifts to wrap and mail.

It was perfect because I had peace and love filling my heart and spilling on everyone.

I accepted me, I accepted them. I savored the treeline (we seriously live in a Bob Ross painting!) I had baby snuggles (it had been years) and it didn’t rain. My husband made dinner in a new Instapot (thank you Moma and Mark) and we played multiple games with extended family.

This year I chose not to judge myself.

Not to worry if I was the best susie homemaker, not to fret over whether my kids had everything they wanted, not to worried over how anyone else perceived me. A new way to experience the holiday. I am ever so grateful for all the life lessons which helped me opt into a new way to experience a holiday that traditionally made me

feel anxious, insecure, less then, judged and put out.

I think I might be on to something. In any case, I marvel at the difference in me and I pause to recognize it with gratitude. Perfect holidays come in all shapes, sizes and situations because really, they are an inside job. At least that what I’m feeling tonight. 

Thankful for my niece and nephew and little Theo visiting, for facetime and facebook with others around the world.

For hope which springs eternal, for laughter, tears, hugs and jokes. For the reminder of how challenging and wonderful life with a baby can be and for the delight in watching my two teens find their way. For all this and more, i am grateful.