Attitude of Gratitude

While Thanksgiving is a time when there is a lot of emphasis on being thankful and appreciating what we have in our lives, we should really do this on a daily basis.  I know that I am often guilty of comparing what I have to what others have, wishing I had x, y and z, but I really need to reflect on what I have in my life.

In my mind I was never pretty enough, skinny enough, smart enough, a good enough employee, and simply, I was not enough...period.  This mindset led me down a path of self destruction that could have for sure killed me had I not sat back and smelled the roses. 

As I enter a new phase of my life, my pregnancy, I have had a poor mindset...one that I feel ashamed to share.  I find myself comparing my pregnant body to others that are/have been pregnant.  I am not doing a good enough job.  I am doing everything wrong.  I look like I am 9 months pregnant...blah blah blah.  In all reality, I need to shut the voice up in my head feeding me these lies, and be grateful for this life change.  For years I convinced myself that I didn't want children.  I knew the damage I was doing to my body, and I convinced myself of this lie so when I couldn't conceive I wouldn't be disappointed.  Well, when I finally found out I was pregnant I was in disbelief.  I didn't think it could be true.  I had gotten my body back to where it needed to be in order to carry a child.  I should be so proud of how far I have come.  There are many people who struggle with infertility, and I actually have the audacity to sit here and mentally tear myself down for being 'too fat' and not being good enough.  Well that sorry self talk will stop here.  

I am grateful for everything I have in my life, including my challenges, for without them I wouldn't be where I am.  There is always going to be someone who is better at a job than you, someone who has more money than you, someone who has a bigger house than you...and the list goes on and on.

For me, I know I have so much love in my life from my family, friends, and especially my amazingly funny, smart, and studly husband, Stefan.  I have air in my lungs, a roof over my head, 2 calm animals, 1 cat I haven't quite figured out, and a beautiful baby in my belly.  

I challenge you to stop yourself if you find yourself comparing.  Find something everyday you are grateful for.  Appreciate everyone and everything around you, for you do not know when it will be gone.



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