Anything about Everything

  For a long time, I thought gratitude meant being thankful for the big things. A good job, a happy marriage, a comfortable home, financial security, or accomplishing something I worked hard for.  In my old age, I am beginning to realize that gratitude is so much more than “the big things.” To me - gratitude is being able to recognize that life can be imperfect and still be beautiful. It’s appreciating what I have without pretending that I don’t want more. It’s being thankful for where I am while acknowledging that I’m still working toward where I want to be (not easy at ALL by the way). It’s understanding that I can have difficult days and still have a wonderful life. I can be (and am at times) frustrated with my circumstances and still recognize the blessing surrounding me.  I have been called toxicity positive many times - I have discussed it in depth on this blog more times than I should have needed to. But I am someone who is trying to continue to see the good i...

  If someone told me last November what my life would look like today, I am not entirely sure I would have believed them.  The past year has been full of changes (some expected and others completely catching me off guard). I have experienced professional changes, personal growth, heartbreak, new challenges, and moments that forced me to reconsider what I actually want out of life.  Three things in particular stand out to me… First (and this is big for a recovering people pleaser): I’ve learned that advocating for myself is not optional. Whether it’s in my career, my relationships, or my personal life - I deserve to have my voice heard. I don’t have to make myself smaller to make others feel comfortable.  Second: I’ve discovered that I am capable of navigating change - even when I don’t have it all figured out. Change is REAL uncomfortable. But staying somewhere simply because it’s familiar isn’t always the right choice.  Third: I’ve learned to appreciate the peo...