Grateful

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.  -William Arthur Ward

Today is was not the quote that inspired my musings, but the feeling...grateful, or being full of gratitude, for the blessings in my life.  Just the definition puts a smile on my face, in part - "positive emotion or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive".

When the stresses of daily life become overwhelming, I have to stop and remember that I truly am grateful for many things in my life.

There are the obvious, such as my beautiful daughters, comfortable home, and supportive parents.  I am also grateful for the wonderful staff and boss I work for and with at the school I work at.  The parents who surprise me with Starbucks, or take the time the say thank you, or that they appreciate me.  I am grateful for the students who present me with their precious artwork that I can hang over my desk.

                                                             Isn't she cute?

I am also grateful for the things that are considered in our modern lives as a necessity.  My truck, for example.  I never thought I'd drive a truck.  My ex-husband always had one, I mean lots of "guys" drive them...but me?  I barely ever drove his when we were married.  I have always dreamed of owning a Volkswagen Bug.  You know, Herbie, that cute little car with personality?   After my divorce, as my car was nearing the 10 year mark, and my oldest daughter was nearing 16, it was time to start thinking about a new vehicle.  Now, car shopping is one of my least favorite things to do...I don't like the wheeling and dealing that goes on.  I decided to keep it simple and buy my next car through an online broker. 

When I started really looking at my life, I realized I needed something bigger than my beloved Bug.  So, three years ago, for my 40th birthday, I bought myself a truck.  It has a backseat that is the same size as any car I've ever owned, so driving the kids and their friends around is still possible.  I love not having to find someone to help me pick up larger than average items.  I am always working on my house and garden, so there has been many times my trusty little truck has not let me down.  I love being so high up, I kind of feel like queen of the road, even though overall my truck is not that much bigger than the Camry I used to drive.  Road trips to Tahoe and San Diego are a piece of cake now that I have the room to haul whatever we need.  I can't imagine now, how I would have moved my daughter in to college without my truck. 
I even have sticker on the back that reads:  "Silly boys, trucks are for girls". 

As you can tell, I really love my truck : )

What are you grateful for in your life?

Wishing you gratitude and Happy Thoughts,

Lisa

All packed up for Tahoe