couchWe broke down and bought new furniture for our family room. We’ve needed it for a while, but with two dogs that jump on it and two kids who eat in there, we didn’t see the point.

Until the dogs ate the stuffing out of the cushions.

We went to several stores and were never really satisfied with anything. So we settled on a sofa and loveseat that would match our existing chair. However, it doesn’t match our walls, so now we have to paint.

My living room hasn’t been painted since we moved in. But now we have another room on the list.

We intended to keep this set pristine. But the dogs are already using it as a bed, and my kids are eating on it again. It’s probably only a matter of time before I’m picking up stuffing off the floor.

Don’t get me wrong, though. I’m not complaining. I’m actually grateful.

See, this month was difficult for many of my family and friends. My uncle is sick and deteriorating rapidly. My mother had two surgeries. A high school friend is marking the one year anniversary of her mother’s death. An online friend’s father is in the hospital. And the list goes on…

How can I complain about furniture when so many people have much bigger worries to contend with?

This month we celebrate Thanksgiving. It’s less than a week away, actually. Are you going to be grateful for the blessings you have or complaining about your have-nots?

There are many disappointments and tragedies I could focus on this year, but I’m choosing to be thankful. I hope you manage to do the same.

For Writers:
An easy personality trait to give a character is negativity. What about gratitude? Do you have a character that needs to be fleshed out, better developed? Try making him or her altruistic, especially if he or she has little to be grateful for. This is a great way to add dimension to a flat character.

For Everyone:
Thanksgiving is nearly upon us. I wish you all nothing but health and happiness this year. Hopefully you find contentment and peace.

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4 Responses

  1. Staci I have had some rough weeks like this too and like you I gather myself and remember to breathe and give thanks for what I have. Even though we do not celebrate Thanks Giving here I try to be grateful when life gets me down. There is always someone going through something a lot worse than me. Hope you week is a good one.

  2. Thank you, Staci for calling our attention to being thankful and positive. Sometimes easier said than done. I’m sending you positive vibes for your Mom’s health problems and all the others in your family, and wishing you all a good Thanksgiving. We plan on having the same. Thankful for two healthy great grandsons, grandchildren and children. Hope to see you soon.

  3. Staci – I try to look at the positive, but its so easy to focus on the negative. Unfortunately, it’s easy to go down that path. You know your uncle is in my prayers (and you are too). I’m sorry about your Mom – didn’t realize that she had surgeries.

    And enjoy that new sofa – even when the dogs make a bed on it and the kids decide its the best place to eat a snack!

    • My family calls me a pessimist, but I always tell them I’m not; I’m a realist. I’m used to bad things happening, so I prepare for them, even if I’m hoping and praying for the best. It’s a weakness, I guess. So I’ve been trying to focus more on the positive lately, too. And it certainly isn’t easy! (And, as always, you know I thank you for your support and prayers, Joan.)

      Anyway, it must be working. Yesterday someone I work with called me an optimist! After I got done snorting in derision, I humbly thanked him.

      I guess I still have a way to go!

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