Tag Archives: spirituality

General Posts, Ramblings of Thanks

Thursday Afternoon Ramblings – Thankful #4

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I’m thankful to have found stable ground for the first time in fifteen years.  Today, I’m free to be myself, without having to worry about someone’s jealousy, insecurity, or fear of abandonment.  For the most part, I have peace and stability with very little drama, very little neediness, and virtually no mistrust.  Emotionally, I feel happier and healthier than I can ever remember.  It’s a good place, and I’m grateful to have found this solid ground.

I’m also grateful to feel appreciated.  For too many years of my life, I was made to feel as if nothing was good enough or even just enough, period.  I constantly felt as if I were having to earn love on a day to day basis, and let me tell you, that’s no way to live.  I’m thankful not to be in that place anymore, and there aren’t words for how grateful I am to have the little things acknowledged, appreciated, and reciprocated.  After years and years of feeling unappreciated, I cherish being adored and respected.  I will not take that for granted because I know all too well how the other end of the spectrum feels.  I will make an effort every single day to express my thankfulness for being noticed and appreciated.

General Posts, Ramblings of Thanks

Wednesday Morning Ramblings – Thankful #3

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I’m thankful to live in a country where our transfer of power is bloodless and still somewhat civilized.  Yesterday, many of us undertook our civic duty to elect our representatives to Washington, and while some of us are disappointed by the direction, it occurred legally and for the most part without fraud.  Today, there aren’t tanks patrolling the streets to keep us indoors, and there aren’t armed mobs roaming the streets destroying property and burning down cities.  We voted, those votes were tallied, and the losers step to the side peacefully.  They may begin planning strategies for the next election cycle, but they do so without an armed insurrection.

That’s what makes this country so strong and so amazing.  If you don’t like the results of this election, work harder to win the next one.  If the people you voted for this time around don’t live up to your expectations, replace them in two, four, or six years.  I’m thankful to live in a country and within a system that allows us the freedom to choose our government officials, and if you don’t like the people who are running for office you have the opportunity to either run yourself or find someone you do like.  Our system is the model for how a Democratic-Republic should be structured, and I’m thankful for the thoughtfulness of people like Jefferson, Hamilton, Adams, and the many others who worked through their differences to develop a framework for government that has survived well over 200 years.

I am thankful to be an American.

General Posts, Ramblings of Thanks

Tuesday Morning Ramblings – Thankful #2

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I’m thankful for my sobriety.  There was a stretch of my life when drugs and alcohol controlled me, and if not for the touch of grace, I would not be here typing this entry.  That may sound hokey to some, but for me it’s very real.  Maintaining sobriety is a challenge, especially when stress and pressure get very high, yet I’m grateful for the strength to control that demon.

There was a seven or eight month period right after my divorce when I lost control and allowed myself to be weak.  I drank heavily and often during that time, and I’m ashamed of that weakness.  However, I was able to recognize that I was descending back into a place where I didn’t want to be, and I retook control of myself.  I’m a much happier person sober than I’ve ever been drunk and high.

I hope this post doesn’t come across as preachy or judgmental because that is not the intent.  I don’t judge other people for what they do, and I myself enjoy drinking a cold beer at the end of a long week.  I simply no longer drink cold beers until I am hammered.  For me, at this point of my life, I am thankful for the strength to maintain my sobriety from one day to the next.