Reading some of my posts or following me on social media, you might think I’m a mess. Sometimes I am, but not always. There are many good times in the pain, here at 2 years and 4 months since losing my husband. A widow in a Fb group I follow mentioned some of the things she’s happy for in her new, unwanted life, and I thought I should do the same. Maybe my list will spur you on to create your own regardless of your circumstances. (No list is completely inclusive, btw, but simply list what you remember in the moment and what you’re thankful for in the moment.)
Here are some positive (and there are many more) things in my life:
- My kids are both in college and learning to ‘adult’. We have good relationships and for that I’m soooo grateful! Even if they think I’m mostly lame, lol.
- My sister and BIL who have helped me with so much and visit us. I love how they love my kids! I love my sister’s Ma Bell (phone) chats.
- I love the groups I’m in and the women (and men) in those groups: My sisters in small group that I’ve been running since 2014 and now co-lead with an amazing woman; my sisters in my small group at Sunday Bible study; my sisters in my widows’ group; my sisters in my health and wellness group; my sisters and brothers in my game night group; and, my sisters and brothers in my leadership team group for Sunday mornings.
- My two beagles give me purpose and love. It’s comforting to be welcomed home with their excitement at seeing me again.
- My friends who belong to some of those groups, and those who don’t, who delightfully lift me up, have my back, and comfort me.
- I love my new home and have decorated it just to my liking. It’s a beautiful place to live, work and relax.
- I love living in the country and watching the sunsets and sunrises. I love the flat lands out here in the sandhills of North Carolina.
- That there was life insurance so that I didn’t have to sell my house (I did, because I wanted to downsize and other reasons), move far away from friends and community (I chose to move to the country; it’s not that far and I’m still in my communities with my people), get a full time job or worry about food or housing.