Hellobee Boards

@graceandjoy: baby #3 - definitely new challenges but so, so much love added to the family too

(1) I am so thankful for our careers and all that they allow for us. DH and I both work very hard and although sometimes that isn't so fun it allows us to do the things we want to do and to provide the things we want to for our family. We are blessed to not live paycheck to paycheck and if a car breaks down we aren't going to be worried about getting it fixed. I used to live like that and it was so stressful. I am thankful that with lots of hard work and working to make smart financial decisions that we are in the position we are in today.

(2) My horrid relationships with females/not understanding them.... bc these ridiculous relationships make me all the more grateful and thankful for the real, true relationships and friendships I do have. The few people who do get me and who are there for me no matter what. Sometimes it takes taking a step back or something bad/annoying to open your eyes to what you have right in front of you that you took for granted. So I am grateful for losing 2 work friendships this year, although it was tough and confusing it opened my eyes to the friends and family who are true and real. and for that I am grateful!

(3) this might sound cheesy but I am so grateful for my DD, she is my sunshine, she always makes me happy no matter what. She makes my life so much happier and easier.

Bonus: How do you cultivate gratitude in your life? for me my gratitude comes in heaps and bounds bc I simply remember where I've been and what I've been through and there were some very dark times, DH is in recovery and he also has the same gratitude that we can't believe how blessed we are now, we never would have imagined the life that we live. We worked hard for it …. but we remain forever grateful for it as well. There was a time when I didn't think i'd marry or have kids, let alone have a beautiful home and be financially secure.. but here we are. Very blessed indeed.

Ooh I love reading these!

(1) Something good/a blessing you are thankful for: My job. I work part-time from home, with a very self-directed schedule and I'm so grateful. I enjoy my work and I enjoy the flexibility it affords our family.

(2) Something bad/challenging/out of your control that you are still thankful for: We've had some challenging situations with my in-laws over the last year, and I'm incredibly grateful for my husband through it. He's been patient, protective of what our family needs, and steady through it. We also both appreciate the many healthy, positive family dynamics in other relationships much more as a result.

(3) A person you are thankful for: My mom. Since becoming a mom myself, I'm still amazed (maybe more so) by all the ways she supports and encourages me.

Bonus: How do you cultivate gratitude in your life? My faith and prayer time have a lot to do with this. My girls and I also have a bedtime tradition of each naming "three good things" from that day, and it means a lot to me that we wrap up our days together focusing on the good.

1 - A great thanksgiving trip to see the in-laws and now a relaxing weekend back home to welcome the Christmas season! Our neighborhood has a tree lighting where all the kids gather, listen to carolers, drink hot chocolate (mulled wine or hot toddys for the adults), and meet Santa. Totally free, down the street, and super festive!

2 - Work has been challenging lately. That’s all I’ll say but I’m looking forward to a fresh start in 2020.

3 - My therapist! Not even kidding, she’s improved my life tenfold since finding her about a year ago. I absolutely cherish her!

I have a gratitude journal. Really just a bullet journal I use for lots of things, but several times a week I’ll record one thing that’s happening that day and one thing for which I’m especially grateful.