Attitude of Gratitude-My Top 10

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, and confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. It turns problems into gifts, failures into successes, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. It can turn an existence into a real life, and disconnected situations into important and beneficial lessons. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.


From The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie ©1990, Hazelden Foundation. This isn't quoted with permission so forgive me but it is powerful and needs to be read. 


When I read this, my heart just. stopped. I cried. Its so true and it made me think.


So, I have been thinking about the last few months of my life. I have been thinking about how, well lots of things have kind of sucked. People that I thought I could count on have let me down. Money has been tight. Stress has been high. All sorts of things go on in life. But a fan reminded me to be thankful and grateful in all things. So this is my list of things I am grateful for and why.


So here is MY Top Ten list (You Know It Happens At Your House Too issued a challenge)


1. Me-I am thankful for myself. That I wake every day, that I do what I do and that I am able to step up for the 4 kids God chose to give to me when their mother couldn't do the job. I know what life would be like if I wasn't here. I am thankful that I am even remotely capable of taking my crazy family on. 


2. Mr. Brady's job-He recently changed jobs under very stressful circumstances and now makes more money. I am soooooooo grateful for this blessing. 


3. The trials in life-without them I would not know the blessings to be so sweet. 


4. Having been very poor before- because it keeps me from judging others and reminds me that I need to keep ALL things in perspective and appreciate all that I have even when I THINK I don't have enough. Someone else has less. 


5. My sense of humor-it keeps me sane and makes some of the bad situations in life hysterical when they could just be depressing.


6. Rheumatoid Arthritis/Pain/loss of full use of my arm because it makes me TRULY appreciate pain free days and reminds me to MOVE. I also understand my father and appreciate him much more since I developed RA. Instead of hating him for drinking, I empathize with his pain and need to be pain free. 


7. My kids-ALL 8 of them. For blessing me with hugs and kisses and smiles and all that comes with being a mom.


8. Facebook-The friends and fans I have met there have helped me feel more human and less crazy. That's a good thing!


9. My home-its not perfect but we fit in it and that's saying a lot.


10. My sister-I miss her more than imaginable but she is my heart and really should have been my twin. I love you sissy!


(and of course Mr. Brady but I think that goes without saying)


I could actually do more. ;-)


I know some of them seem like negative things, but I really believe that WE can turn ANYTHING into a blessing. It's all about PERSPECTIVE.


Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops 
What if Your healing comes through tears 
What if a thousand sleepless nights 
Are what it takes to know You’re near 
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise 


Blessings by Laura Story


What are your Top 10 things to be Thankful for?