The last month+ has been a bit crazy, but I still have so much to be thankful for. I am very thankful for my husband because despite some of scariness and sadness that has happened over the last few months I feel even closer to him (thankfully none of the stress has to do with "us"). I have had a few things come up in my life, and his family has been going through some very rough stuff. Some of this "stuff" just seems like a really bad dream and I keep thinking that one morning I am going to wake-up from it. But, I have still remained positive (for the most part) throughout it all. Now I have definitely been stressed - but thankfully have not let it defeat my attitude.
In a week and a half (on May 26) Matt and I will celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary!! Yes, 10 years! I can hardly believe it. What is even more crazy is that we have been together for well over 13 years! I feel so old when I say that, but I also have to remember we met when we were 18. ;-) We have been through some tough stuff in those 10 years, but we have made it through the challenges - which I do not take for granted. I am thankful that we learn each and every day how to better communicate, better understand one another, better respect one another and remain even more committed to one another. I hope that we always remain open and with a continued commitment to always work hard on ourselves individually and on our marriage.
I love that I look forward to our evening and weekends together. I like that we look forward to being together after we have been with other friends. I like that there is still genuine happiness with one another and that we do not take each other for granted. I like that he respects me and my "somewhat" strong and independent personality. I like that cares about me and truly wants to make me happy. I know that I am important to him, which does really help you to feel secure and happy. Over the last few months I have truly noticed that he is really open and listens to me (that is not to say he hasn't in the past, but it has been something I have genuinely noticed recently). I think that sometimes it is easy (after being together with someone for a while), to not really communicate and truly listen to what the other needs/wants or what he is saying. I am thankful that is not us right now. Now don't get my wrong, I do think it is a conscious effort, it is not like it always comes easy. It is not easy for anyone (definitely not me) to be selfless. But nonetheless, I am happy and thankful for where we are right now.
With some of the "crazy stuff" going on, it has showed me even greater what I want our marriage and family to be like. I am thankful that we openly talk about what is going on and how we want to grow and be like through it. Life is interesting, you can learn a lot by watching what others are going through. I am thankful for my self-awareness and hope that I never stop growing, learning and recognizing things about myself. Only when you understand yourself (good and bad), can you even begin to have healthy and strong relationships. I firmly believe that. If you are not aware of where you are emotionally, understanding your strengths and limitations then there is no way you can be healthfully in a marriage.....or even (I shall venture to say), strong and healthy friendships.
Today I have a scary morning ahead of me......and I feel pretty apprehensive, but I know that I will get through it regardless of the outcome. I am very thankful for so many important people in my life, but most of all, I am thankful for my husband. He has been such an amazing support through everything lately. I love you, Matty!
So anyway.....yes, a hodgepodge of thoughts.....which is pretty typical for me!! ;-) And another thing that is typical - a picture. This is a picture my brother took of Matt and I this past Saturday as we ran "Race for the Cure" (we have done it together for the last 4 or 5 years).
