My Gifts
It’s almost 2 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. I collapsed from exhaustion earlier and I’m now up to…write? Okay, maybe I’m up for another helping of rice pudding. I’ve been reflecting on all that I am thankful for this past year. Over the last month, I’ve been writing notes in my gratitude journal of things I’m thankful for each day. But there are so many more things from before I started this list. My life is filled with constant blessings. People that come into my life and knowingly or unknowingly push me forward, grace me with support, offer a smile, a hug (real or virtual), a word of comfort.
This past year I have lived my belief that everything happens for a reason. My gratitude cup runneth over. One Thousand Gifts brought this to the forefront of my mind and even in my daily struggles I return to that grace, those gifts that I am given every day.
I now catch a glimpse of every butterfly in my path and it is a reminder of beauty in spite of what I’m experiencing on any particular day. It makes me wonder of the life of that butterfly and the reason for being on my path. Makes me grateful for the flutter of wings, the flash of color.
Of course my frog princess is on the top of my list of gifts. My siblings, my dad. The friends that I count on to hold me up and cheer me on. More and more, I count on the new friends I have made on this online journey. Those that have crossed my path for a predetermined reason and purpose.
My blonde bombshells, Natalie and Gigi who told me my dream of Mami Ink was a great idea and who I feel I can reach out to for any support, emotional or professional. Humbled by that.
My dancing to success divas: LaShaun, Lucrecer, Tonia, Tawanna, Tiany and Chrysula. Whose prayers I can request and are readily given.
My Central Florida Latinas. For being a driving force and support system that I did not realize I needed but that I’m so glad I have.
And the brands. Ohemgee! I have had the best relationships with PR firms and brands directly. I feel so blessed to be able to connect with people personally, not just because of what they can offer but because of who they are.
There are so many people and groups that I can turn to these days. My online family has grown by leaps and bounds. I feel that I’ve reaped all of the positivity from this social media ride I started taking the day I posted my first blog.
I’m grateful for all of my answered prayers. From continued strength as I make my journey through school and bringing to life these passions of mine to knitting in wombs that are not mine but feel close enough to be my own. Grateful.
I’ve also learned to be grateful for the unanswered prayers because there is so much more that I cannot see in this world. My faith has grown in leaps and bounds through my trials and tribulations. And though I am human and still question why prayers are not answered, deep down I know there’s a purpose for everything I cannot yet see.
As I sit here in this not-so-quiet house with my siblings, dad and aunt under the same roof I say a prayer of thanks. Though through this time I expect to have my moments of sadness I will practice that hard eucharisteo that Ann Voskamp speaks of in her book and I will give thanks during the bad moments. Those that remind me of the gaping hole in the fabric of this family. Through it all, I give thanks.
My list of gratitude is too long to write down but I will continue to try to journal them because I do believe that gratitude is the key to continued blessings and a peaceful life.
What are you thankful for today?
