Grateful Journal

We have a family member that’s visiting us this weekend, and she’s going through an extremely difficult time in her life. And while I’m so glad that we are able to be there for her and do our best to offer advice and words of encouragement, it has also been difficult for me, as it’s been bringing back a lot of shelved memories from a very difficult time in my own life. During this time of heartache, I started a Grateful Journal. This is something that I have not kept up with (I now maintain a journal of the multiple-choice variety), but was something that I did write in off and on in my twenties, mostly when I was going through difficult times. I pulled that journal out this morning, and was struck by how far (and little!), I’ve come.

My entry for February 16, 2000
I’m grateful for:
1. Friends that come out of no where when you are suffering
2. Ashley’s keg party
3. My own room
4. Life only gives you what you can take
5. Distractions

What I would write today, August 7, 2010
I’m grateful for:
1. The women in my life:
– My mom who is my rock and voice of reason.
– My sister. Who I can share a glass of wine with and cry when things are bad, and share a glass of wine with and laugh when things are good.
– My girlfriends, both old and new, who have gotten me through my first years of motherhood with a smile on my face.
2. Large, iced, non-fat, sugar-free Chai lattes at Dilworth Coffee
3. Having a wonderful husband to share my room with. And a house to raise my family in.
4. Life only gives you what you can take.
5. Playdates that distract my toddler and give both of us something to do everyday!