Choosing Gratefulness Over Stress

Two important reasons to be grateful and not stressed.

I could stress out right now. After all, I have 8 major work projects, plus other deadlines I must meet over the next few weeks. Not to mention preparations for holiday gatherings we are hosting. We still need to pick up a few more gifts. And of course I haven’t even begun wrapping any that we do already have. Oh, and did I mention we have about 7 weeks until the baby will be joining us and we haven’t even begun to wash the clothes, diapers, blankets, burp cloths, etc., let alone set up the co-sleeper or changing table? So, I could take this moment to freak out a bit and wonder how everything will get done, while still chasing around my 3- and 5-year-olds. But instead, I’m taking a few moments to reflect and be grateful.

Why am I not taking the more typical road of being stressed out and a bit jumpy? Because I’ve read a few too many status updates lately. I’ve read about one woman breaking her foot on the day of her anniversary. Instead of a romantic evening out, she spent it in the ER. I read about another woman’s struggle with a chronic disease that has not been taking it easy on her lately. One friend had a cousin lose her 2-week old baby. Then there is the woman I interviewed the other day who over the last 22 years has battled seven types of cancer. She told her amazing story of strength and faith through some dark times. Yet, she has emerged a fighter and has no fear of what is to come. But, finally, today is the birthday of a little girl who should be celebrating her first year. Instead, we are honoring the memory of this precious little one who fought hard and touched the lives of many in her short time here on earth.

So, I could look over my to-do list for today and the weeks to come, and I could wonder how I will get it all done without pulling out my hair. But instead, I’m going to breathe deeply. I am going to choose to be thankful for the opportunities I have—for the ability to give those gifts that must be wrapped; for the chance to do the work I love, while still being with my kids; for the little hands who will help me bake those cookies and prepare for our holiday gatherings. And, ultimately, I will hug my little ones a bit more tightly and realize just how blessed I am. Because after all, it is a choice as to how I approach today and the days to come. And I choose gratefulness.