30 Days of Gratitude

November 1st-Phenomenal Friends --It has been such an amazing journed over the last few years---getting to know new friends and addding to my family of choice is one of my most favorite past times. There are so many of them who have talents, gifts and love that blesses my life. I am so grateful for all my friends. Thanks so much for putting up with me, all my faults and imperfections--your friendships means so much to me!




November 2nd-‎30 Days of Gratitude-Day 2--I am grateful for my family. 5 great kids, 2 wonderful grands, a few extras, brothers, sisters in law--mom, dad, aunts, uncles and cousins. All my grandparents have passed but am grateful for the childhood memories and how they taught me to be a grand-Gimmee'--LOVE MY LIFE!



November 3rd-30 Days of Gratitude-Day3-Over my life I have had many different types of jobs...but since coming to Community Opportunities Inc., I have found my calling. I love so much what we do--creating opportunities for the people we serve. I think my favorites are the events and fundraisers but everything we do is a joy to help with. Someone said once that because of their disabilities they are not supposed to want the same things that you and I do...but you know what--they do and they should be able to have every chance at a quality life just the same as you and I do.




November 4th-30 Days of Gratitude-Day 4--Volunteers are the glue that helps an agency stick together. With the limited funds that are available for a non profit to complete the day to day duties, volunteers come and work for free! They give of their time freely because they believe in our mission and because they have the biggest hearts. I love our volunteers--and each day I am so grateful for the work they do, the encouragement they share and the love they have for our folks.



November 5th-30 Days of Gratitude-Day5 -My Co-workers--So many people that I work with have the heart and desire to make a difference in the lives of our folks. To most it is not just a job. They are often silently going above and beyond what most would be considered that is required. Having the opportunity to be one of the team has taught me so much about giving, sharing and caring for others. I love what we get to do and am grateful for those I get to work along side...as we create opportunities for those we serve.




November 6th-30 Days of Gratitude-A day of grandbabies--I was so wrapped up in family yesterday that I forgot to post how grateful I was for them. So I am grateful for all my little blessings--even if I post it a day late!



November 7th-Opporunities-Each day is like opening a gift of opportunities. I can choose to do everything or nothing. I can choose to do it with a smile or take each task as a chore. I can choose who to give my time to and who to steer away from. I can choose the opportunities for adventure or stay close to home. I am grateful for all the options that this life holds and choose to be grateful for each opportunity, whether it be for me or working to provide it for others. I love my life.




November 8th-Rest-I am grateful for times when I don't have a million things to do. When life slows down and I can choose to be at rest. This weekend I was quiet and mostly at rest--feels pretty good to get that hour back too!



November 9th-Contrast-Life is full on contrast-days that are full of everything I want and days that aren't. Emotions that are in line with me and my smile and sadness that is not. I love the days when everything lines up and its a great day, but in contrast I appreciate the days that things are just a little off. I know that seeing things that do not make me smile is a sure way for me to focus on what I want and set about making that happen. Today I am grateful for those moments that are not made of smiles and sunshine.






November 10th-Beauty in Nature-As I was driving home yesterday I noticed how some of the trees have changed colors, how the sky was the most amazing color of blue, how the little puffs of clouds were just drifting by and I realized how beautiful our world is. There are flowers blooming at work even though its fall, green grass and birds and critters all around. It is amazing how just getting out in nature makes me feel better. I love our beautiful natural world and am grateful for the bits of country life all around me, at the state park, down the long country roads and the lakes and creeks where I can "TRY" to catch a fish.




November 11th-Veterans-It a day of honor, a time to remember and share our gratitude for those who have committed their life to secure our freedom. I appreciate so much the life that I have as a citizen of the United States, but that liberty must be protected and provided by those who are willing to stand on those lines and protect our beliefs, values and borders...and sometimes those of other countries as well. Today I am grateful for those who make this commitment today, yesterday and tomorrow.






November 12th-Mothers-Being a mother is by far the most rewarding, challenging, and fascinating thing I have ever done. And while I have spent the last twenty-something years of my life raising my kids, I have learned so much about the sacrafices my mother made and all that it takes to be a mom. I value so many women in my life who have stepped into a mothering role when I needed it, and nurtured me during the hard times in my life. I am proud that I had the opportunity to grow up with my kids, and that I now get to watch two of my girls learn to be mothers to their children. I am grateful for mothers-mine, yours, myself, my girls and my substitute moms--and one bridge!






November 13th-Compassion and forgiveness-For thsoe who show compassion to others and practice forgiveness for the wrongs, I am grateful--especially when you are forgiving me!




November 14th-Facebook--So love the facebook and how it allows me to keep up with all those wonderful people who are a part of my life.




November 15th-I am grateful for Mondays-even though many days of the week get more positive play than Mondays-I am grateful for this day because it gives me a new week to look forward to. I even have been heard to say TGIM-and then have to explain why I am glad for Mondays. Tuesdays get "so glad it's not Monday anymore~Wednesdays have "humpday"~Thursdays have TGIAlmostF~~~and of course TGIF---and the weekend well we all are glad for those days....but Monday is my day to start over, to gear up for a week of productivity, for all those status reports and planning meetings. I love Mondays...but then I LOVE MY LIFE everyday~wink wink!






November 16th-Second Chances-Sometimes in life relationships, jobs, changes and just circumstances can feel like it is the end. The end of something good, an era, or the end of the world. But few things are really ever the end, more often than not they are truely the beginning to the next chapter. I have found too that often the change that is dreaded is really the best thing that could have happened. I seem to get into the grove of life and find myself dreading the change even though it was for the good. I am grateful today for second chances to get it right...and even third, fourth or a millionth to try and get it better.




November 17th-Community Leaders-Our community is blessed to have some very amazing folks who have dedicated their lives to being a part of the solutions to many different problems. Their committment not only stands as a testament of what folks can do for others, but also as model of good leader. I am proud too to call many of them friends and I appreciate all they do for me and for those I serve.






November 18th-Non Profits-I am grateul for all those agencies and their volunteers who make such a large impact in our community. Their committment to meet the needs of the less fortunate are not only needed but so wonderful for those who find themselves in a place in their life that is not so fun. I appreciate most those who work to teach skills or find solutions to those issues that landed the receipients in the situation and help them to find a path away from the challenges for the rest of their lives. Its the fish philosophy personified in real world situations. Feed a man a fish and he is no longer hunger today, but teach him to fish and he will feed himself for the rest of his life...and probably teach others to fish as well. Hunger solved.



November 19th-Service Organizations--There are many in our community such as Lion's,Rotary, Zonta, Kiwanis---to name some. This groups lead their membership to work on projects, raise money and help in their community to meet the needs for so many things. Their service to community is huge and priceless. Today I am grateful for those groups of people who have their heart set on their help to our community.



November 20th-Pets-They are always happy to see me, don't care if I am wearing make-up, dressed nice or even if I am having a bad hair day--ok well there is one that raises a fuss when the hair is scary. They cuddle with me when I sleep, chase me when I am playing with them in the yard. Slobber, kiss, jump and just love me so well. I am grateful too for the other pet owners who take their responsibility to heart and care for those four legged friends in our community. Also for the Cleburne Animal shelter staff who work so hard to return lost pets, care and place abandoned ones.




November 21st-Home-Today I am grateful for feeling at home, and although this definition has changed many times in my life, there has always been a place where I have been sheltered, safe and felt at home. I have learned much about the home in my heart through many changes and the home is definitely where the heart is. If you are loved and a part of a family(of choice or blood) home is where ever you find that love in your heart.






November 22nd-Reading your gratitude lists---Thanks for all those who have been playing along and sharing what they are grateful for. You have reminded me of so many things that I am grateful for as well...I am grateful for each of you!





November 23rd--Music--so many times in my life there have been songs that have been a sort of therapy for me--this seems to be mostly when I am sad. I love how the words can be so close to what I am going through and then the talent of the singer can bring emotions and help me deal. I love to that often a memory can be tied to a song. There is a particular song that was played at my counsins funeral...and even though for the first couple of years when I would hear it I would cry, now I just think of her and all the fun we had, what a fighter she was and what her life meant to me.


There are songs that have been used at events and the emotions that stir almost always remind me of the pain and the tears start before more than a few notes have even played. As time goes the reaction lessons and then soon its just a part of the memories and healing. The carols of Christmas bring the wonderful joys of childhood holidays, happy birthday the many parties that I have been a part of, or even Purple Rain which reminds me of a particular person and time in my life. I am grateful for the soundtrack of my life---the music that moves me.




November 24th-Rain-When the clouds gather and begin to sprinkle the first whispers of rain, I am grateful for this wonderful natural watering of all our green and growing things. This cleansing wash of rain water feels as though the whole world is getting that morning shower that always helps to wake me up and refresh me for the day ahead. I love rain no matter the size of the drops and I appreciate the wonderful gift it is in our natural world. Today I am grateful for rain.





November 25th-Holidays and Celebrations-I am grateful for the expression of love that is tied to the wonderful hollidays that we celebrate all year long. While Thanksgiving has reminded me this month of all that I have to be grateful for, I am appreciating all the celebrations that help to mark those milestones, holidays and special times with those I love.




November 26th-Change-It seems that often I dread change, I am sometimes worried about changes that will most surely come and take away people I care about, push me to learn something new, or forever. Today I am grateful for the newness that change brings. I appreciate that I have learned all the lessons so that when change comes I can understand that it is just the key to the next door...and that before long all the upheaval will settle until the next.





November 27th-HEROES--people who make a difference in our world-My heros are those who step up to help our clients and others in our community. Several of the ladies who serve on our advisory board and prom committee are my personal heroes, they each have children who had/have challenges, and each has rallied not only to make their life fulfilling and meaningful, the continue to look for ways that help all those we serve at COI. I also look up to the many people in our community who work for non profits that do so much good, but also they take so much less for themselves to do the work that they do.







November 28th---30 Days of Gratitude---Sharing of stories...I love reading the other stories of life here and through emails, texts or even phone calls. Most of my friends have been on pretty similar life paths as mine and some have been completely different, but when we share those stories that have added, hindered or even derailed our lives, we not only begin to heal we share the wisdom that came from all of it. I love that sharing some of mine might have added a smile or insight or even a tear for your story, and likewise what yours have added to mine.








November 29th-FACEBOOK-I have said many times that I really love the social media and what it adds to my life. The reasons are many, but mostly because of the connections that are remade, new-made or just add to the way I can communicate with those I care about. I have found that each person who shares on the page or in person about the things they find in facebook that matter to them---makes me appreciate it that much more. I love that in a few seconds I can share information, insight or insanity with all of you who have accepted the challenge of friendship. I love most that you share your life and allow me to have more smiles, more understanding and more fun. Thank you facebook family I am grateful for you and for this wall!



November 30th-Gratitude--The last day of 30 Days of Gratitude is here and I am grateful for all those who played along. Your sharing of your gratitude lists helped me to be grateful for you, with you and because of you reminding me that there is always something I am grateful for. Thank you for sharing your hearts with me...and I am GRATEFUL---I LOVE MY LIFE!!~~because you are a part of it!