My last post was at the turn of the year, written with high hopes for 2009. So far, I’ve seen mixed results.
I’ve had a few strokes of seriously bad luck that have made giant black marks on my life, but have also enjoyed greater success in my law practice. I am trying to look on that ubiquitous “bright side,” and continue making strides toward general betterness, if that’s a word. In the spirit of always counting the things you have to be thankful for, I will turn my attention away from the bad (except to learn from my mistakes), and focus on all things good that surround me.
My daughters are growing and learning and thriving in life. They are tiny sunshines; small in size, but forces to be reckoned with. At six and almost three years old, they continually amaze me, mostly in wonderful ways. I am thankful to have them in my life, and delight in the fact that just hearing them laugh can disperse even the darkest clouds from around me.
My husband is hitting a life stride that makes him happy and successful. His job and personal life have prospered, if not necessarily with wealth, at least with personal fulfillment. These developments have made for general mood improvement, contributing to more happy days than not. This helps us all enjoy our time together as a family, and helps he and I, as a couple, strengthen our relationship as it approaches nine years of marriage. I am thankful for a spouse who values his contribution to our marriage, family and community, as well as his commitment to elevating our financial status (read: works hard to help us dig out of our massive mountain of debt).
My parents are happy and healthy, looking forward to retirement in the next 2-10 years. They are always there to disburse advise, and withhold it when appropriate (they continually get better at recognizing the time for each, though there’s always room for improvement, of course). They delight in their granddaughters and are very much enjoying life, when my father’s job allows him the opportunity. I am thankful to have both parents together and loving it, and there for me whenever I need them.
My friends are terrific — supportive, funny, compassionate and reliable. Their collective similarities and differences make each of them so individually important to me, as well as a great pool of experience to draw from. I count on them for their willingness to listen, and for their ability to share. I am happy to be there for them as much as they are for me. I enjoy their company (when time allows!), and highly value these relationships. I am thankful to have my friends, each and every one, for all of the countless reasons friendship exists.
My practice grows with each passing day, and promises to actually be profitable this year. I enjoy most of the work I do, which is more than the majority of people can say. I learn something new, usually many somethings, every day, and feel fulfilled in my career choice. My network of colleagues and other professionals is constantly expanding, and with that comes the opportunity to forge new business connections and some friendships as well. I am thankful for all of the success I have enjoyed, and optimistic about the future.
These are just some of the things I have to be thankful for (I should have saved this post for November), and they remind me of just how good I have it. When it seems like much of the country is crumbling under hard times and worry, myself included, I just review these things that I have in my life that create joy and fulfillment. It’s not always easy to look on this bright side, but it’s vital to life. And I hope that I have a lot more ahead of me.
