All a matter of perspective....what are you grateful for?

Having recently lost both of my parents over a time span of 3 years it has really changed my perspective on life and how I view others in a devastating situation.

Although many people have come up to me and told me how well I handled everything and how I never openly exhibited how bad the circumstances were - by never being overly dramatic, but always remaining logical in all decisions, I just don't see the situation as they did. Don't get me wrong...the circumstances couldn't have been worse, but no matter how bad, I always felt like there was someone worse off than I was.

Many days are still difficult, but with no option except to move forward I find that there are many things I am grateful for...such as that my health is fairly good and that I have friends who care for me who are like my family so I will never truly ever be completely alone. It took me a LONG time to get to this point.

One thing I have come to understand is that if you do not have good health then no amount of money can comfort the fact that you are sick when there is no chance of recovery. I think that I have learned a hard lesson very early on in life and it amazes me at how much people concentrate on the pettiness in life on a daily basis.

Things that used to bother me no longer don't. Many people who have suffered in life (whether by seeing a family member suffer or themselves) behave the exact opposite and become a negative force instead of being grateful for what they do have left. I have seen both positive and negative behaviors from different people. Those that choose to exhibit a positive behavior seem to be more at peace with themselves as compared to those who do not.

I am grateful that I had the parents I did (it took me a long time to truly understand what I had), that my health is decent, my friends care for me, and that I can still take care of myself.

What are you grateful for in life?

Great post

I am definitely grateful for my health, my family and their health. And grateful that we are able to afford food and shelter.

I see people that are ill sometimes, and I really can't imagine having a life full of ailments. Thank god for health.

I am grateful that Jesus is looking over me, always; that I have a loving husband who I love dearly; for both of my parents and that my Mom sacrificed so much because she loved her children so much; for both of my sweet brothers and their families; that I got to talk to my Grandmother on the phone before she died even though I was told she was past the point of being able to; for my beautiful wonderful kitties; for the beach; for the sunshine; for my husband's and Mom's health and that God cured them of something I was praying for; for my health; that my husband is trying to quit smoking; that we have jobs; that we have a place to live; that we have plenty of food to eat; that we survived hurricanes; that there is love in our lives; and that I love God and He loves me even though I make lots of mistakes; and ... so many other things.

I am so grateful for my soul-mate, best friend, lover, confidant husband, Larry. He has been my rock for over twenty five years (of course, we have had our ups and downs ) but is the one person in my life who is always there no matter what and we weather life's storms together. Also, my dog, Wilbur, a Jack Russell Terrier, who is twelve and a half years old (with failing health ). He is my once-in-a-lifetime dog.

I'm most grateful for my husband Dave. We got married young (18 & 19) after only knowing each other for 4 months. We've been married 36 1/2 years and, as Lauren said, we've had ups and downs but we love each other. I'm so grateful that he's had a good job most of that time; I've been able to stay at home unless I really wanted to get a job. Now that I have some health issues and can't do the work I loved, I realize even more what a huge gift that is. I'm grateful that his health is still good enough that he can work--he has type 2 diabetes and a form of leukemia that, at the moment, has no cure. There are days I absolutely ache inside, knowing that it's just a matter of time until his health problems become a major issue in our lives. Until then, I'm thankful for everyday that is somewhat normal.

I am grateful for the saving grace of Jesus Christ. I cannot go a day without thanking Him for all that He is doing in my life.

He has provided a roof over our heads and food on our table even with the drastic pay cut that I had last year. He has seen us through health scares and hard times. Through good times and bad, He has always been there.

I too am grateful for the loving, saving grace of Jesus Christ. I would not want to live the next five minutes without him as Lord of my life. I am grateful for my husband who I would not change one thing about him if I could. I am grateful for my children who love me. I am grateful for all that the Lord has done. He has always provided abundantly above all that I could ask or think.

I am grateful that I have my health, I've learned that without your health you have nothing. I am grateful that I have a job, (after 2 lay offs) a roof over my head and food to eat. I am grateful that my dad is still alive and so is my darling Maggie. I am grateful for my friends who came with me when it was time to let my sweet girl Jasmine go to the rainbow bridge. When I open my eyes everyday I thank the Lord, say hi to Mom & Jasmine. I try to make the best of every day and never forget how fortunate I am.

Sabrina, you have gotten to the place where it took me 3 years to get to. You are so strong I have to admire you. It's hard being an only child and losing both your parents so close together. It took me a long time to stop being angry and be grateful for anything.

But now, I am SO grateful for my husband and his family. For my close friends, my own family. For my health (such as it is...it sucks being over 40...it's starting to fall apart but nothing major). I thank God every day for having a job, a roof over our heads, food in the fridge, money to at least get what we need for the week at the market. I'm grateful for my dogs and cats that drive me crazy and keep me sane at the same time. So many things to be grateful for....thank you for reminding us of this.

I loved reading your post.
I am grateful for so many things, way too many to list, every day I wake up to another day I am grateful. There have been many deaths in my family and each one reminds me how precious this short time here really is

Duchess15, I can relate to what you have gone through. My fiance' passed away from cancer last June at the age of 30. Three weeks later my grandpa passed away. Three months later I had to put my cat to sleep. February of this year my grandmother passed away. So much to take in in such a short period of time. What was hardest for me and is still to this day, is my fiance' passing away. He was so young and lived, literally, up until the day he passed away. The pain is still the same as it was almost one year ago. It all seems so surreal to me, but the pain reminds of the reality of it all.

As far as being grateful...I'm grateful that God put him in my life. We were together for three years and I learned so much from him. He was the strongest Christian I have ever met. He was my prayer warrior. I feel so lost now without him. I have others to go to for prayer, but he was special.

I get so tired of hearing people complain about petty things. I always tell them to tell those that they love that they love them. You never know what may happen.

I'm thankful for Jesus saving me. I'm thankful for growing up in a Christian home. I'm thankful for my health, family, and friends, and my kitties. I'm thankful I graduated college when a high school teacher pretty much told me I would amount to nothing. I could go on and on but I will end it here.

Originally Posted by calico2222

Sabrina, you have gotten to the place where it took me 3 years to get to. You are so strong I have to admire you. It's hard being an only child and losing both your parents so close together. It took me a long time to stop being angry and be grateful for anything.

But now, I am SO grateful for my husband and his family. For my close friends, my own family. For my health (such as it is...it sucks being over 40...it's starting to fall apart but nothing major). I thank God every day for having a job, a roof over our heads, food in the fridge, money to at least get what we need for the week at the market. I'm grateful for my dogs and cats that drive me crazy and keep me sane at the same time. So many things to be grateful for....thank you for reminding us of this.

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It took me 3 years also to get to this point. When my mom died I was so angry and bitter that no one could pull me out. When my dad died it wasn't nearly as bad, or maybe because I knew there was nothing I could do that I had to accept it.

I do still have bad days, but I am a much better person overall today. My attitude has changed and I try to be grateful for what I do have. Coming home to an empty house is very hard and often painful. My friends are my only family considering I cut off my dad's family and my mom's lives so far away.

My job is really the only thing I have left so the routine helps.

All I can hope for is that I remain in good health because if I get sick there is no one to help me.

Keeping that into consideration I try to make the most of each day.

Originally Posted by cococat

I loved reading your post.
I am grateful for so many things, way too many to list, every day I wake up to another day I am grateful. There have been many deaths in my family and each one reminds me how precious this short time here really is

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Despite what I have gone through I always think others are worse off than I am and try to help anyway I can. Hopefully, karma will be good to me one day and maybe something good will happen. It doesn't have to be to me, but maybe for someone else who needs it.

Originally Posted by LovesMyCats

Duchess15, I can relate to what you have gone through. My fiance' passed away from cancer last June at the age of 30. Three weeks later my grandpa passed away. Three months later I had to put my cat to sleep. February of this year my grandmother passed away. So much to take in in such a short period of time. What was hardest for me and is still to this day, is my fiance' passing away. He was so young and lived, literally, up until the day he passed away. The pain is still the same as it was almost one year ago. It all seems so surreal to me, but the pain reminds of the reality of it all.

As far as being grateful...I'm grateful that God put him in my life. We were together for three years and I learned so much from him. He was the strongest Christian I have ever met. He was my prayer warrior. I feel so lost now without him. I have others to go to for prayer, but he was special.

I get so tired of hearing people complain about petty things. I always tell them to tell those that they love that they love them. You never know what may happen.

I'm thankful for Jesus saving me. I'm thankful for growing up in a Christian home. I'm thankful for my health, family, and friends, and my kitties.

I'm thankful I graduated college when a high school teacher pretty much told me I would amount to nothing. I could go on and on but I will end it here.

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I am truly very sorry about your fiance. That seems so unfair considering how young he was. Not to even be able to fully experience life. Last year my uncle died unexpectantly, then a week later I had to put my cat down, and right before christmas my dad died. Needless to day, I know how you feel.

You are right - he touched your life in a way that not all people will ever experience. Hang onto that and never forget.

My mom believed that the only thing constant in life is change. Sometimes I still have problems with this concept. Whether I accept it or not, there is no option but to move forward.

I read a book recently called "Life Lessons" and would recommend it to anyone who would like another insight into life and the different stages that we go through. It can be reread and for all walks of life.