GRATEFUL FOR SHABBOS

I am so grateful to the Almighty for my life.  I am tired today and I'm grateful to the Almighty for Shabbos, a time of quiet and contemplation.

I did many amazing things yesterday.   I got my manicure and then I did my Christmas shopping for school.  My friend cancelled on me because she was ill and I asked him to go out.  Since I like to talk, current events, which my Father did so well was the evenings entertainment.

I came home and read my book for next week's book discussion.

I know how to be quiet and enjoy life, thanks to the Almighty.

Good Shabbos!

I am grateful!!!!

GRATEFUL FOR WAITING TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES

I used to answer everything that he said.   I don't anymore.   I don't answer anything.  It makes my life a great deal quieter as I go about the business of my life.   I am grateful to the Almighty for this, because waiting helps me to overcome obstacles.

I had a wonderful evening.  I had a great yoga private lesson, doing all sorts of twists.  I came home, did chores, ate dinner with him and then went to my synagogue for a wonderful Sisterhood fundraiser.   I came home to read because I need to finish my book for next Wednesday's book discussion.


This morning, he began to try and be annoying.  He started with the garage door and worked his way into the blood test appointment.   I was prepared.  I waited.  I said nothing.

I went to work happily and quietly.  In the past, I would have answered him and we would have been off and running.  I don't do that anymore.   

I am grateful to the Almighty for being able to overcome obstacles.

GRATITUDE FOR LEARNING TO LIE

I'm not in the habit of lying.  Nor am I in the habit of saying that I am tired.  But things happened last night that taught me how to lie.  I am grateful to the Almighty for this new skill.

I was annoyed at things that he said last night.  I did what I had to do.  I was quiet.  I walked out of rooms.  However, that was not going to be enough.  He was going to try and attack me. I came up with, "I'm tired!"  To know me is to know that never happens.  However, with that I was able to read my book and watch my television program.

This morning, I received a text asking what I wanted to do for my birthday.  This usually involves me taking them out and if you think back to Mothers Day and last years birthday, this is not a good idea.  I didn't respond.


Thank you Almighty for the gift of quiet and the gift of lying.

I am grateful!!!!

GRATEFUL FOR A NEW LIFE

I wake up daily without feeling any anxiety at all.  I have a new life that I've created and each day brings me joy and energy.  I am grateful to the Almighty for this.

Each day, I think about the things that I will enjoy that day and it makes me smile.

Yesterday I attended my class at the Adult Jewish Institute.   I sat with friends and enjoyed the class.  For me the class was a change as it was a class in the history of Jewish humor.  It was very light and enjoyable.

Tonight, I have Restorative Yoga that I'm looking forward to.

I am grateful to the Almighty for this new life.

GRATEFUL FOR NOT GIVING MY OPINION

I am grateful to the Almighty because  I know when it's impotant to give my opinion and when it is not.  Things that disturb me, that I can't change, I don't have to discuss.

I must admit that at times it is difficult because this is not who I am.  However, if I do speak up with people that I don't trust, I can get myself into lots of trouble.

I choose to be quiet and I've learned how.   Life is a process and this is a new skill to process.  I look at it as a challenge and I'm getting much better at it.

Thank you Almighty for making me aware of quiet so that I can continue to have joy.

GRATEFUL FOR REALIZATIONS

I realized today that I have experienced "joy" during my Thanksgiving vacation.   It was "joy" of my own making.

It was yoga classes.  It was going to synagogue services.  It was walking.  It was reading.  It was breathing.  It was television and movies.  It was music.   It was the quiet when I didn't want to answer questions or make remarks that would lead me down the wrong path.

It was the realization that if he does things to get in trouble, it's his problem and not mine.

I realized that I have created a wonderful life for myself. 

Then I realized that I could retire because I had a life that I loved.

That led me to realize that I no longer have to think about "survival strategies" as I did this past year to keep myself safe.

My new joys and my thankfulness to the Almighty will keep me safe.

That is a wonderful realization.

GRATEFUL THAT THE MOURNING PERIOD IS OVER

This morning in services, I felt completely happy with my new life.    I wasn't angry about loosing the old life.   I wasn't coming up with strategies for the day.    I am calm, cool and collected.  I live in the moment and enjoyed the moment.

I realized that I had gotten rid of the things and the people that didn't serve me.  Some of those people must remain in my life, but they aren't part of my life.  I was embracing my life with grace, gratitude and love.  I felt joy.  I felt energy.  I'm alive in the moment and know that I will have a good day.

I realized that the mourning for my old life and mistaken dreams was over.  I had moved on and I was making new dreams.

I am grateful to the Almighty for this.