A Year Of Gratitude Comin' Right Up
It’s strange to me that you’re still covered in snow. It’s strange for me to smell like sunscreen and sweat when just a few days ago we were bundled up in the chilly air. Alas, here we are…back on the island of Spice for one last time. I feel all sad and gooey every time I talk about leaving Grenada, so I think we’ll avoid eye contact with that subject for the time being. For now let’s talk about resolutions…
As I’ve thought it about it today, I guess I only really have one resolution this year and that’s to be grateful.
One day over the break, I found myself sitting on my sister Lindsay’s couch. I spent the morning playing with Grace, laughing at her monotone singing and hilarious storytelling. And in the early afternoon, I was nestled in the cozy leather couch, holding my two-week old niece against me. Her breath patterned the rise and fall of my chest and her hair smelled of vanilla cupcakes with sprinkles on top. As I pressed my cheek against her warm head, a feeling of complete gratitude unexpectedly began filling the holes in my heart. In an instant, all of my previous feelings of sadness, frustration, and impatience around the subject of fertility seemed to drown in a reservoir of gratitude…gratitude for the opportunity to love my brother and sister’s children. In that moment I was filled with gratitude for the absolute miracle of being an aunt to so many beautiful boys and girls.
And so I guess my resolution for 2011 is to be grateful. I’m going to be grateful for my husband and not compare our lives to everyone around us who seems to be more perfect. I’m going to be grateful for my body and treat it well by staying active and healthy. I’m going to cherish my time in Grenada and be grateful for the experiences we’re having here. I’m going to embrace the next chapter of our lives and look for ways to grow and learn as we face new challenges and new opportunities.
I have a feeling 2011 is going to be a great year. And if it’s not… I’ll try to be grateful for it anyway
What are your New Year’s Resolutions? Please share…
Comments
But I'm so 'grateful' for your positive outlook, which is why MY new years resolution is to be 'grateful' for my little ones and all the messes and all the whining, the sleepless nights and the piles of dirty clothes. It's hard to realize how 'perfect' each of our lives are sometimes :) We are pretty jealous that you are still on that island though.
Love you guys...
I love your writing and your thoughts.
My goals are to make a successful move to NYC (or somewhere in the area)and to make our finances a beautiful system of budgets and organization. Sounds fun, doesn't it?
Oh yeah and to be a good wife, mom yadada...whatevs.
This year, I'm going for simplicity. I think being grateful for what I have will help immensely in that, actually.
XOXO
Our latest is to keep reading the Willis blog and sit back in awe as you put a new spark into blogspot. You and your tabs rock.
We're (I'm) tired. Can you tell, Willard?
Blog on. And keep inspiring.
I will pray that your babies will come along quickly cause I know you will be the best mom in the world. It could even be that the longer you have to wait, the more precious they will be to you.