I am thankful (post number three)

I think a lot about what I have. There are big hopes, dreams, and desires all the time. Not just for myself or for Seth and I, but obviously for our kids too. But then when I get down to the nitty gritty of the day I take a look around and realize most of those hopes, dreams, and desires are already happening. I see it in a text message photo of the girls taking a bath while I go to my glamorous second job (that I am more than lucky to have). I see it in the dog that makes me crazy but tolerates her "best friend" Lila day in and day out. I see it in my mom who always has a kind word, an open mind, and a giving heart. I see it in my dad who to this day works to no end and then brings big pink tutus to his granddaughter. There are just so many ways to see the best of life.

I've never been a glass half full kind of person. Unfortunately, I lean towards realistic instead of optimistic. One time someone told me if you don't expect much then you are always pleasantly surprised. At the time I found that to be such a comforting way to walk through life. And then I married Seth...and had a baby...and then I had another one. And expectations sort of landed somewhere after the fact. And pleasant surprises became a way of life. And the glass started looking fuller and fuller by the minute. Some days so much so it overflows. It's hard to explain, but depression runs pretty deep in my family on both sides. Many times I've struggled to figure out how to rise above it. Growing up I had this redhead friend who just didn't understand the purpose of getting down. Let's just say her glass is a lot bigger and a lot fuller than most. I always wanted to be like her. I wanted to bottle up that feeling and carry it with me all the time. Instead, I just tried to make her stick around for a while so I wouldn't forget how easy it can be to just be happy and thankful.

I don't know if it takes finding what makes you the happiest and multiplying it. Maybe it takes planting the right people to be reminders. Or, it could just be taking the time to pay attention. Regardless, I am there. This Thanksgiving more than any other in my life I can't express enough how thankful I am for what I have.

Happy Thanksgiving ya'll!