10 Positive Things

So one of my goals was to blog more...and to really blog rather than just whine. I haven't done so well on that particular goal. So in an attempt to do that more I am determined to sit here before I go to bed and blog about 10 positive things in my life...(in no particular order...)

1. My job. I complain about my job a lot. This is not because I don't like my job, it is because I am lazy. LOL. No I don't really think that is it either. I never thought this was the job I wanted, and I guess in a way it is not the job I ever wanted, but it is the job I now chose to keep. It is a job that combines many of my passions, that allows me the space to creative, that allows me the relationships and the interaction with students that make me feel purpose, and that is fulfilling to me. My dream job? I don't know...I do know I don't really want to leave and I am thankful for it! Even when I complain.

2. My friends. It is easy for me to sometimes feel like no one loves me...but seriously there is no way I could even begin to say that. I have the most incredible friends in my life. From my group of girls that are the biggest support EVER, to the students that I work with and become attached to, to people on facebook that I never thought I would keep in touch with but who sometimes seem to know more about and care more about me than anyway. They are really incredible and I am really blessed. I think they will never know how much they mean to me, and I need to work on making that right.

3. My nephew. He has had a rough life. He sometimes makes MY life rough. But at the end of the day he is my heart and soul. He is growing up and his capacity to see the world in new and interesting and beautiful ways awes me every day. He is my reason...for everything.

4. My health. Okay, okay I know this one is a bit of a stretch for anyone to believe I actually believe because I AM sick...a lot. And that is really hard. On the upside, however, I have a doctor who believes me and tries her best to help me. I have found medications that make life more livable and pain more bearable. I am not dying. That is a big deal. Anyone who can say that NEEDS to take a moment to be thankful and realize what a gift it is.

5. Books. Okay I know, I am a dork. But books make me happy. I love that I get to work with books. I love that I have made more time for books in my personal life. I love that I have friends and family who understand my love and also love books. In my "new" house we have split the living and den between us so Mic/Bekah can have a living room and I can have one. Mine is a library. I have ALWAYS wanted a home with a library. It is kinda empty looking with not a lot of furniture and no TV but I ADORE it. The thought of it makes me happy. I love books.

6. Children. This one is hard to write. I love children so much and the idea that I will never have any of my own is very hard for me. But having said that I MUST acknowledge what an important and positive role children play in my life. I have so many friends with beautiful, incredible children and I get to be part of their lives! This is such an amazing and precious blessing! When a child calls me "Aunt" Karla...it makes me want to cry with joy. How honored am I to hold such a place in a child's heart? I cannot think of many things better than being friends with and/or loved by children. I thank God every day for the children in my life and I have made it a point to try to be as consistent and as present a part of their lives as possible. I hope it will be as positive for them as it is for me.

7. Creativity. This is so huge for me and something I feel I have not nurtured enough in my life, but something that I am fully seeking to embrace these days. I love to be creative! This is not to imply that I am really good at doing any one particular creative thing, but I have discovered I don't even care. I love to sing, I love to dance, I love to act, I love to paint, I love to write, I love to bead, I LOVE to take pictures, I love to create, to decorate and to enjoy. I am learning that when I feel like I simply cannot take any more of the reality and stress of life it is simply my mind and/or bodies way of telling me to use the other part of my brain...be creative. It is amazing what it can do for my mood and well being!

8. Family. I almost feel like I already covered this in the 'friends' list, because one of the great joys of my life is being able to call my family friends. My brother and his girlfriend are my roommates, I am closer to my parents than to probably anyone else in the world, and even my extended and/or geographically distant family are very dear to me. I know that they care and that no matter what happens, how much time or distance passes...they are simply always there and always a positive force in my life. My great grand-parents used to kneel together every night and pray out loud for EVERY single person in our family. Though I doubt any of us even come close to living up to that degree of love and loyalty, I love knowing there is a fierce group of people who love me with that same kind of love that I could call upon at any time. I hope they know they have the same in me.

9. Grace. Where would any of us be without it? I immediately think of the U2 song by that title. It says: Grace, it's the name of a girl, it's also a thought that changed the world....grace makes beauty out of ugly things. What an idea...don't we all need our ugliness to be made beautiful? I know I do. I thank God for grace when I doubt, grace when I fall and grace when I wonder if I will be able to pick myself up again. I thank him for gracing others to show me grace. I pray I can be strong enough to show grace to the world as well.

10. Music. Speaking of U2...ha ha. I have already spoken of my need and love for creativity and I suppose in some ways this fits in with that. Music is something extra special though. It is something that can literally speak to my soul and move me...even without words. I am not a musician but I am so thankful for a love of and appreciation for music. It makes our world such a wonderful place of ever expanding possibility. I believe it holds the power for incredible things. I am so lucky to live in a place and at a time where that is encouraged and understood. I cannot image my life without music. It is a blessing and a reminder and a mentor and an encourager and a reprimander and a friend. I adore it.

So there you have it. My list of 10 positive things. That was fun. I enjoyed it. Maybe I will do more lists in the future. It is good to have my thoughts anchored and directed toward something in particular. And now...I shall go to sleep!