A thankful heart

I’ve lately been trying to turn every complaint I whine, whether verbally or mentally, into something to be thankful about. I’ve noticed that my complaints really aren’t issues to complain about. I tried, at first, just to say things that I was thankful for – my salvation, my husband, my family, my dog, my house, my job, etc. But it started being a list, and, frankly, even though I looovvveee our big, beautiful house, that big, beautiful space needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. And, as it is three times the size of our previous house, it takes longer to clean.

See how easily complaints can come around? I start talking about how much I love my house, and, within a few seconds, it can turn into a complaint. And I don’t want to be a complainer. I don’t like complainers, but I want to like myself. Solution? Don’t be a complainer. =)

I’m such a problem solver.

Here’s how my yesterday went…

Complaint: Why is it so cold outside? I wanted to wear my white skirt today.

Thanks: I’m so thankful I have warm clothes to wear – and a variety of them – and it feels so much nicer than it would if it were 90 degrees.

Complaint: Why is my silly phone not making phone calls?

Thanks: I am so thankful I have such a nice phone that, on a regular basis, does everything quickly and effectively. In fact, this is the first time it’s tripped up – and it may not even be my phone that’s messed up!

Complaint: I hate waking up so early in the morning.

Thanks: I love my morning times of doing my Nehemiah study, cuddling with my dog, drinking some coffee, and reading my books.

Complaint: I hate working on my dissertation.

Thanks: I love that I have relaxed a bit, thanks to prayer from my parents and my husband, so that I don’t feel as stressed about my dissertation. It’s coming along quite nicely, and it WILL eventually be done.

Complaint: Dinner didn’t taste as good as it looked in the picture on the recipe.

Thanks: I’m so thankful I have a husband who loved what I cooked (and he’s honest when he doesn’t like it, lol!) and that dinner was tasty and healthy.

It’s a good mindset to have. Life is hard. But it’s a lot harder if you (ahem, I) see every little nuance as a negative.

Don’t want to walk the long (sure, long – one minute-long) walk from the car into my building at work? Pssshhh. I am rocking those 4.75” heels (yep, got ‘em on right now).

Don’t want to work today? Whatever. I love my job. I love my students, my coworkers, and my work. I have a fabulous job.

Don’t want to work on dissy work today? Well…it’s almost done, LOL!!

There’s not always a silver lining…but most of the time, at least with me, there is. I just have to be willing to see it.