I don’t have oodles of cash. I don’t have a big, fine house. I don’t have a “big job”, but I am thankful and happy every single day. I have a friend/trend who buys her way into people’s hearts. She has not one friend that she hasn’t spent lots of money on at one time or another. She is a nice woman, but she would not be the person that she is without her nice income.

So many people define themselves and their lives by their status, the number of stamps on their passports, or how often they get pampered at the spa. I wonder how they make it if they made 30 grand a year. Or if they rent instead of own. Or, if they did not have a boatload of people to hang out with at a moment’s notice.

I have spent much of my life being mediocre. (It kinda sucks because I am actually quite bright and creative and fabulous) Making mediocre money, going mediocre places, and living a life that could have been so much bigger. But then came my kid. I have done the whole mom/child-rearing thing in a big way. I am a super, fabulous mom and  a lot of people envy-no joke. I wouldn’t trade all of the memories on vacations with flashy friends for the awesome journey I have had and continue to have with my kid.

I look at my child everyday, and realize what a gift I have been given by God. I yell, I get annoyed, I may not cook all of the food groups on a regular basis, but I am present. I have traditions with my kid. I make occasions more than special. I treat every birthday as a royal occasion, planning for 4 or 5 months sometimes like her recent party.

But, one doesn’t have to have a child to see and feel God’s love and blessings. Having a great and rewarding career is something to be thankful for. I have never had that. Having a great relationship with your family, or friends that would go to the ends of the earth for you is something that most  of us don’t have. Being really athletic and fit and inspirational to others is a blessing to count for sure!

My whole point in all of this, is that people die everyday. There are monsters creating terror all over the world everyday. So everyday we are alive and haven’t lost anyone is a day to praise God and celebrate. I have decided to not ever put myself into a relationship, or a job or in a situation any more where I am not valued or I do not feel happy. I want to look back when I am old and realize that I did not waste my time on unimportant issues or people.

During this beautiful and hectic and magical holiday season. Don’t fret. Don’t feel sad. Know that there are many people out there that would love to have the life that you do. IF you ever feel that you are short on blessings, know that your ability to read this blog and other blogs and have access to technology and have the ability to  write is a right or a privilege that many people across the world do not have access to.

What are you thankful for this year?

Simply~

Dee