November – Gratitude

Halloween was really wonderful this year, probably the best I’ve had in a very, very long time, but I’m not too sad to see the Halloween decorations packed away in their box and more Autumn-like decorations take their place!
In the past, I haven’t been extremely active about writing down the things that I am grateful for, or at least, not until the day of Thanksgiving. This year, I want to change that, because “a thankful heart is the parent of all virtues,” and I have never met a grateful grouch.
Now, I’m going to be real(er) here for a second.
Recently, life has been hard. No, there haven’t been any tragedies in my life or in the lives of those I’m close to, but being a Mom has just seemed like an impossible job. I’ve felt lost and completely alone in knowing what to do. I’ve felt sad and misunderstood. And irritable. Oh, how I’ve felt irritable!
I don’t like feeling this way. That’s not who I am. Never really have been the inherently grouchy type. So I decided to look at my life and see what was missing, or what I could do to go back to the real Susan. The Susan who is bright, cheery, and oh-so-positive (the annoying type).
While I think there are many factors to why I feel the way I feel, and many things I can do to help it, the one decision I’ve made and area that I’ve decided to hone in on is having an “attitude of gratitude.” To be grateful in my circumstances. I may not be able to buy myself a new skirt or top, but I am SO grateful that I have a sewing machine and I have learned to sew my own beautiful clothing! I may not be able to get new chairs for my dining room table, but I am so grateful my family has a place to gather together for food, conversation, and games. Trying to feed my baby while my two-year-old is climbing all over me may be just about the most difficult task ever, but at least I get to have that experience.
I don’t think it is possible to be grateful and angry or sad at the same time. I don’t think we have to be happy about everything all the time, but I think that any trial we’re facing is easier if we are grateful. That’s a theory I’m going to test out this month, and a habit I plan to keep! I invite you to try it with me.
When I feel angry, sad, irritable, impatient, or upset in any way, I will think of what I have to be thankful for. Whether it be an “at least” statement or something unrelated.
That is my promise to myself.
This month is going to be a special one, I just know it! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and allowing me to share a little of myself with you. It’s always intimidating to share personal feelings, trials, and thoughts for everyone to read, but I hope that by doing so, you will not feel alone and that through the internet, we can buoy each other up, inspire one another, and help each other reach a higher, happier place.
Thanks again.


P.S. I am so excited to tell you that I’ve added a new item in my shop, just in time for the weather to really start cooling down! Make sure to stop by my shop and order your toddler or babe a Gathered Plaid Tunic with Triangle Elbow Patches today!

^^It has pockets!^^ 

 
**For more color options and further customizations, contact me!