With everything that has been going on in the world over the past 2.5 years, it’s no wonder that people have started focusing on the negative.  When everything around you is less than ideal, your mind typically navigates to the negativity surrounding you.  Many people become depressed, feel undeserving, and no longer seem to appreciate or have gratitude for the positives in their life, sometimes even appearing as entitled.

Multiple times I have sat, unappreciative of what I have.  Not just tangible things that I want, and really don’t need, but the loving, caring, and supportive people in my life.  Don’t get me wrong, I am glad I have a house, a job, a car….many people don’t have those things.  The family and friends I have in my life are amazing.  I am eternally grateful for everything and EVERYONE in my life.  

Parents should be your everything…because you are everything to your parents.  My parents have been married for 50 years, share common interests, are both dedicated, loyal, and caring.  Not to mention hard workers.  My parents taught me to be the person I am.  To my parents, I am grateful.

My children are my world.  I used to look forward to being an empty nester so my house would be clean and in order.  I miss my kids, the laughter, and the mess in my house.  I wish others had the relationship I have with my kids.  We laugh, we cry, we talk, and we fight.  At times we are dysfunctional, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.  To my kids, I am grateful.

Family is supposed to be there you say…not necessarily.  There are many reasons family members do not support each other.  From my existence, I have never had lack of support from my family. There has never been a point in my life where my family has told me I couldn’t do something.  They are the ones that are there to cheer you on.  To my family, I am grateful.

True friendship is priceless.  Friends are family that know everything about you.  They don’t judge.  They don’t ridicule.  They provide constructive feedback.  Offer advice.  And support you no matter what.  They are that listening ear when you have had a bad day and can be a sounding board to just take all the anger away.  Friends love you beyond measure.  Friends are your extended family. To my friends, I am grateful.