Gratitude #40

Last night I wanted to write up my review for Downton Abbey Season 3..since I have finally finished it... but woke up this morning with the Sun shining through my bedroom window.. and felt the need to express some gratitude today.

Once again..

The things written -- are not written in order of importance..
but of just what come to my mind first.

-1-

 

 I am Grateful for the Sun.

Utah has experienced some of the worst weather ever this winter season.
 

 On the news last night... the weatherman said it was the coldest January since 1949, and the most snow totals in January in 17 years.  ( Since 1996.  )
 

  Because we live in the middle of large mountains.. the cold air gets trapped inside the valley.. and creates a dense thick polluted fog in the air.

 

  It's dark and dreary.. and harmful to breath.

During the month of January.. many parts of Utah had reached levels of the "most unhealthy air in the world.  "  Yes.. the world.  Makes me sick to stomach it.

One day Chad and I were driving to my sisters house in the nasty air.. and I said to him..

 

" What if the whole world was covered in this inversion?" 

 

 What if we couldn't escape it? 

 

 It was so hellish to think about.. I told him.. it was so dreary and unpleasant.. it seemed like how I could picture outer darkness to be. 

I need the light. 

 

 I crave the sun. 

 

 I think most residents in Utah affected by the weather feel the same way. 

 

 ~ Any glimpse of the sun-- even for a moment brought some happy.

Yesterday I went to the mailbox and felt the warmth of the sun.

 I stood in the road -- taking in the sunshine for a good 5 minutes -- to  just let my skin drink it in. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I felt like Timothy -- from " The odd life of Timothy Green."

( but I didn't do that with my arms --haha )

When snow and wind are now predicted in the forecast.. I feel gratitude in my heart. 

 

The yuck air will leave us.. and we will see the sun once again.

Perhaps that's why I love Spring so much.

 It means more sunshine.. New growth... New Life.

Hope.

I will never take Sunshine for granted.

 Never.

-2-

 

 I am grateful for Happy movies.

In the end of December and beginning of January.. I saw one depressing movie after another.

 

Whose Idea was it to release so many sad movies in the winter? 

 

 If I was in charge of the movie industry... I would show depressing movies in the Summer -- and Happy movies in the months that the weather affects us so much.

Yes.. that would be my plan.

That.. and more Romantic Comedies.

I was one of the only people that disliked Les Miserables.

I had many discussions with people about it.. and while others saw beauty.. I saw too much misery, grief and heartache. 

I even made the statement: Happy people with no trials like these shows.
 

 Because they see what it looks like to feel grief.  Depression.  Trial after Trial.

But.. I feel like I am going through such hard things right now.. I need and crave things that bring happiness.. laughter.. and leave me feeling good.

Not sobbing.. or sad and Angry for days afterwards.

Say what you want about Romantic Comedies.. but at least I leave feeling Happy.

Downton Abbey Season 3 did not help my mood AT ALL.

 Just saying.

-3-
 

 I am Grateful for friendships.

I have been in the lowest mood and darkest places these past 2 months.. than I have ever experienced in my lifetime.

Something pretty scary happened in December -- that shook me up and made me realize that I needed some serious help.

I didn't know where to start.

I didn't know where to turn to.

Chad felt pretty helpless about it.

I needed something.

I didn't know where to go.

I needed a friend. 

I have a lot of friends. 

But most of my friends seem to be "fair weather friends."

They want to be around "Fun" Ann.  Not sad and broken Ann.

I haven't felt like I had one bosom friend that I could trust or confide in.

And then.. without asking.. some friends came to my rescue.

2 dear friends listened on the phone.

Some very dear friends sat with me.. let me freely talk.. and vent.. and cry.. and gave me some good advice.

Advice that led me to get me the help that I need.

I will be seeing a Counselor/Therapist soon... and I look forward to it -- like I look forward to spring. 

New Hope.  New growth.  New Life.

I am so grateful for many friends that have given me advice.. sent me happy packages for no reason -- other than because they love me.  For those that have commented on my blog posts or Facebook... e-mailed me out of the blue to tell me happy things and those that know what I am going through and are praying for me.  You never know when a positive comment is needed.

 I truly feel abundantly blessed. 

-4-
 

 I am grateful for my trials.

Because of them.. I feel more compassion for people.

More love.

I am a better Mother and Wife

I am learning to appreciate the gift of life -- each day truly is

I am stronger.

I am learning to let go of things that are not so important

And really value good people and my relationships.

I am daily Refining.

-5-

 I am Grateful for Chad.

My heart is so full when I think of the Gratitude I have for him.

He is my lover, my Best Friend and my favorite person to be around.

He has stepped in and helped me with scouts.. and is filling in at weekly den meetings until they get another leader to serve with me.

He works so hard for our family.

 He stays on top of  his " Honey Do list" and can master any project.

He supports me.. and loves me -- even when I am at my worst.

He has supported me and loved me through all of my trials.

I can't think of anyone I would want to go through eternity with -- more than him.

 

-6-

 

I am grateful to be so involved in "organizing season."

 

I have never had so many classes and consults than this year.. and I am convinced it is a blessing from the Lord to help me keep my head above water.

 

I love helping people problem solve in their homes.  Love it.