What are you thankful for?

As we are celebrating thanksgiving, what are you thankful for?

It’s been a rough year for me, chaotic. Since day one up to today of this year, stress levels have been high. I know God has a purpose for this dreadful (not to mention long) experience and I am still waiting for that answer.

As I look back at the previous months, what I see mostly are tears and heartaches, arguments and silent conversations, neglect and anger.

So given that, what am I thankful for?

I am thankful for chances. It is because of the chances I took that I’ve learned to value and love myself. It is because of these chances that I’ve realized what are important and what matters most.

I am thankful for family. No matter how hard up I was, they never left my side. I know that they will always be there when all else is gone.

I am thankful for the blessing of good (great!) friends. They’ve put up with my being blind, stubborn and stupid for the longest time. They’ve been an open ear and a receiving arm when I felt that I needed someone to talk or run to. They’ve supported me and stood by me during my most trying times. I am truly grateful.

I am thankful for academic excellence, mine and my son’s. All my hard work has paid off.

I am thankful for my three beautiful sons. They are the reason I continue to live. They’ve taught me how to be selfless; they’ve taught me the meaning of unconditional love. They are the ones who’s given my life purpose and I will continue to strive and live for them.

I am thankful for the little things — An unexpected hug, a compliment, “I love yous”, my son holding my hand while we walk, good mornings and good nights, my baby’s toothless smile, random visits, funny stories, good jokes, words of encouragement…I could just go on. These little things make up the precious moments of our lives. Cherish and appreciate every single one.

I am thankful for the gift of life. Mine might not be wonderful, enviable or perfect but it’s the only life I’ve got and I will make the most out of it. I know that God will one day, again, paint this dull life with radiant rainbow colors.

I may not have a lot and my life is not even close to almost perfect and although I am hard up, battered, beaten and broken with all the reasons of giving up and not moving forward, I know there is that guiding light somewhere that will bring me out of this dark place; that is something to be thankful for.

Always.

xx

DMV

(Photo courtesy: Tumblr)