This want really became apparent to me tonight when we went to the store to grab a couple of things and Logan saw some toy he wanted, I of course told him no because he did not need it. He of course started to throw a fit because he wanted it. It made me realize that he isn't exactly grateful for the things we get him because he always wants more. I do not want my little man to be this sort of brat so... this month we are going to focus on changing that.
So... What am I thankful for?
- My husband and that we were able to work everything out. We have our ups and downs but in the end we do love each other.
- My son... even though as I wrote above he isn't grateful for things we do or get for him. He is a joy to be around and I am thankful that he loves me and tells me everyday multiple times a day that he loves me... too much!
- My daughter... having her smile at me every day brightens even the sunniest day!
- My family (parents, sisters, in-laws, you know who you are)
- My friends
- My pets (they may annoy me at times but they are sweet and my children before I had children)
- For a roof over my head
- My job
I could lose all of my material possessions but if I lost any of the people/animals in my life I would be lost... I am grateful for all of you.
So I ask you... what are you grateful for? Post a comment and let me know!
Amber,
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your post and think it is a great idea! :) I too went through a similar experience with Meghan not that long ago. She doesn't appreciate anything at all or seems to never have enough. She also had a really bad attitude and was always throwing fits about how aweful everything was. So, to conquer one problem at a time, we decided to do somthing kind of similar to what you said and started with the bad attitude. When we sit down to dinner every night, we each tell the other's three things that were good during the day, anything bad has to be left unsaid because we want her to have a good attitude and see the good things. And the good things can be anything at all, no matter how silly. Of course when we first started Meghan would say things like I rode the bus, I went to school, I came home. But after a while, she is starting to say things like I finished two chapters in my book, I helped Aunt Tanya cook dinner, I got to play with my cousin. My point was like yours, to prove to her what she has and how good she has it, and it seems to be working because she seems to be getting the concept! :) Plus bonus, she seems to not want anymore either! So I LOVE your idea!!! :)
To answer you question the things I am thankful for are:
My soon to be husband
My daughter
My family
My pets
My friends
My job
I like your idea :) and just in case you wondered, now you know that I read this thing :) I would combine the ideas: have everyone in your family sit down for dinner and say one or two things they are thankful for. I think its a great way to foster appreciation! As for me, I am thankful for so much in life. I am thankful that I have Bobby. he holds me down when times are tough and keeps me balanced when I go way too far, but he is also my play mate (in the traditional childhood way ... now dont let your mind wander too much) I know that at the end of the day, if I'm really into an idea or a project, he is game and he will get involved and help. I am grateful for my sister. we are polar opposites but the kid makes my world spin. we connect in ways no other person on earth can understand. I am beyond thankful for the friends in my life. old and new. the ones who party with me, the ones who mentor me, the ones who cry with me, and everything in between. I am thankful for you Amber. I know that might sound corny... but you and Kelli have filled this void in my life. You are the kind of friends I have wished for, the ones who understand and give advice on the challenges I face now. I am thankful for all the little children i meet. so many have them have that special something that we just cant seem to hang on to as adults. I know I dont know logan all that well, but that boy is so special to me. I love that he asked to see my eyes the other day when we were at his game. yo forget over the years that eyes are the window to the soul, but children, they know. and they can see right into that soul, and my whole day was brighter for that one moment. I could go on... so much of life is worth appreciating. My home, my jeep, my (insert material possiesion here) ... but like you amber, I would give it all away and still be happy to have those I love. Those are the gifts I value most. friends, family, children, those are the things that count :)
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