Hello Gratitude

Welcome 

and
hello Gratitude!

I am so glad my gratitude post for the week has made it over to Fridays!

It's a perfect way to close out the week

with some positive reflection!

As I sat down to write what I was most grateful for this week

like ...

the fact in a few hours I get to pick up my husband at the airport

that I got to go out to dinner with my youngest this week
and how

I'm loving all of my pink flowers and Valentine decor

and

the very fact I'm sitting here writing wrapped  cozy 

with my coffee, candles and flowers

with finally some welcomed rain outside here in Southern California.

I took one more quick look at instagram

my favorite now :))
before I settle into writing …
and

I am reminded by a comment of

what I am most truly grateful this week.

Ironically
 I am most grateful for my recent struggles

because I now realize 

my soul is always shaped more beautifully 

by my darkest walks.

And, yes

I can appreciate this fact more

since the waters have calmed

and
I have time for reflection.

And Yes,

I want to throw up my arms and say ok

life I get it

as a possible way to get myself off the life lesson list :))

But in all honesty

I am grateful for what  I have learned recently
Which makes me grateful for the struggles.

I am grateful I have learned ...

 Life is hard. - this might not seem like a positive … but for me it is.  Because as soon           

    as  could take this in as a truth … I no longer had to blame myself for the hard times. I could realize I 

   can't control everybody … or everything. And  …  I no longer had to ask why me.

Instead ...

  I can now ask … What can I learn from this situation … and when I do … What positives can I share.

  I have learned to …  to Respect My Story … and when I do … I don't have to      compare myself to others

     … and when I don't compare myself …

 there can be no room in my heart for jealousy!  

     Instead of jealousy … with the removal of comparison … there is now room in my heart for sharing 

     in the joys and successes of others!  More joy for me and everybody else in my life …all because

     I have learned to respect my own story … and my soul's evolution … and I have struggle to thank  … for this most freeing and joyful realization!

 If  my soul's journey is really my life's work … then learning how to truly love is my life's work …

     as is slowing down to experience life's simplest beauty … and the little moments in life … that 

     truly make up our own big picture.

So you see this week  I am truly grateful for struggle's visit

and
I  pray I have learned enough

and 

keep this in my heart

so 

she isn't a frequent visitor :))

As always my friends

I wish you love and joy

as you find your own life gratitudes.