I woke up this morning after sleeping until 9:30, laying in bed enjoying the quiet house and a few moments where I was alone with my thoughts.  Canean had gone hunting with his dad and the dogs were sound asleep in their beds.  It was the best kind of morning after being out of town for the past week and a half. 

I took this picture of my arm where the saying "no place I'd rather be" now has a home to remind me of appreciating this life and this moment that I am in...probably because I am still getting used to it living there.

Slowly, I made myself get out of bed right as Canean was coming home with coffee and a scone in hand for me which made waking up a little easier.

About thirty minutes later, I got a text from a friend who let me know that her grandmother had passed during the night.  A friend who is already being dealt some hard cards and didn't really need another thing to add to her plate.

It's funny how on a week where we should be focused on what we are thankful for, sometimes shitty stuff happens and it makes it hard to appreciate the good stuff that is still in our lives. 

For me, her text made me stop and take a look at my life and what all I should be thankful for.  Life isn't guaranteed, it isn't a promise of only good things happening, but it IS supposed to be lived.

It is ours to do what we want with it...

Is it worth not reaching out to someone who you need to fix a relationship with?  It is worth not taking that trip or kissing your husband every chance you get? 

I don't want to ever think what if I would have or could have...

I am thankful for a healthy body, an amazing husband who encourages me to be me and to live life everyday.  I am thankful for amazing friends who challenge me.  I am thankful for family,  a roof over my head, food to eat, a God who is forgiving and ever patient with my human ways, and I am thankful for stinky dogs who love me unconditionally.

I am most thankful for where I am in this moment, whether it is good or bad because it's these moments that have made me the woman I am today and the woman I will be tomorrow.

All that said, hug your kids, kiss the one you love deeply, call the friend that's been on your mind, and reflect on all the ways that you are blessed...despite all the crap that life is dealing you.

Thankfulness isn't easy, but it is necessary...

Happy Thanksgiving week guys!