Grateful Sunday

Another week has come and gone and here I sit thinking about everything I have to be grateful for. Thinking about all the ways that luck has shined down on me.

I've spent this beautiful spring day basking in the sunshine while I drink a slow cup of coffee and read a delightful book. I took a bubble bath and relaxed in the beautiful smell and lavishness of a deep tub. I laid on my bed after that bubble bath and listened to music with the door open and the soft breeze blowing across my face. I took my yoga mat to the front porch and stretched my body in a way that feels good and sat quietly in contemplation when I was done. And now here I sit, on that same front porch with the dogs sleeping at my feet, struggling to write about the solitude, contentment, and joy that I feel today. Struggling to explain the duality of the peace and vitality I feel inside on this day. Sunshine changes things. Being outdoors changes things. It has a way of making us feel whole again. I am thankful for Sundays that are focused on self-care and self-love when I need them the most.

I am thankful for a passion that will hopefully bloom into a career. My mentors around me have been so affirming of this passion and love of teaching in me and I can't say how grateful I am for those affirmations. I need them when things are tough. Because teaching will always be tough at times and joy-filled at others. It will break your heart, make you laugh like you haven't before, and allow you to love other people's children as you lead them to knowledge and curiosity. I haven't always done an amazing job in these student teaching experiences. I have failed again and again. But I have always taken those moments of failure and learned from them. And that's what matters.

I am grateful for a husband who celebrates my successes and believes in me. I am thankful for his words of encouragement and love when I was struggling and hurting inside. I can't believe that I am lucky enough to have a love like this. I dreamed of a love like this when I was a kid. So convinced that it would never happen for me. But it did and it's better and worse and more wonderful than I ever could have imagined.

I am grateful for friends and family who listen to me talk nonstop about my students and teaching even when I know I should shut up because they aren't interested. Thank you for trying not to yawn while I yabber on.

I am grateful for Spring and all the feelings of reflection, joy, and love that it brings out in me and the ability to enjoy the sunshine. Thank you, Mother Nature for ending the long winter and letting us know that all bad things come to an end.

This is the best day I've had in quite some time. Spent alone doing the things that bring me joy. And I am so thankful for that time.