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Choosing Gratitude Over Complaints
When someone asks how I’m doing, I often reply with, “I can’t complain.” Honestly, I really can’t. We have a roof over our heads, food on the table, a loving partner, and healthy kids. I choose gratitude over complaints.
Lately, I’ve noticed that complaining has become a common way for people to connect. We grumble about the weather, traffic, long grocery lines, and the endless to-do lists. I’m just as guilty as anyone else; I find myself venting about the heat, the struggle to shed a few extra pounds (especially when it means giving up my beloved wine and carbs), or the exhausting carpooling. Did I mention I have to drive for forty-five minutes during rush hour for my son’s hockey practice tonight?
But lately, I’m trying to shift this mindset. I think about my friend Mia, who I met back in middle school. Mia was brilliant, especially in English and History. She was sweet, soft-spoken, and had a wonderful sense of humor. After high school, she became an English teacher and had three boys of her own. She was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer during her third pregnancy and, tragically, passed away at just 39. Her youngest son was only two years old.
The last time I saw Mia was at a birthday party for a mutual friend’s child. It was a warm June day, and she was there with her boys, beaming with joy despite her battle. She radiated positivity and resilience, always making time to listen. By October, her cancer returned aggressively, and she was gone by Thanksgiving.
When I find myself having a bad day, feeling annoyed by everything, I think of Mia. While I’m at the sink washing dishes, I remind myself that she would give anything to be in my shoes, scrubbing those pots and pans. When my alarm goes off at 6:00 AM, and I’m exhausted, I reflect on how she’d gladly wake up to be with her kids. And when I’m stuck in traffic, I remember how fortunate I am to experience such moments.
I’m working on being more mindful of my words and focusing on the positive rather than the negatives. It’s not easy, but it’s a choice I’m making. It reminds me of a dad I see at my son’s hockey practices. Whenever I greet him, he cheerfully replies, “Living the dream!” He says it with a touch of humor, but he’s right. We are living the lives that Mia and many others can only dream of. So, if you ask me how I’m doing today, I hope to say, “Living the dream! I can’t complain at all.”
Resources for Further Reading
If you’re interested in more about home insemination, you might want to check out this post on intracervical insemination. Plus, for those looking into options, Make a Mom is a great resource. And if you’re curious about pregnancy, this resource offers valuable information.
Conclusion
In summary, the journey of parenting is filled with ups and downs, but choosing gratitude over complaints can make a significant difference in how we experience our daily lives.