One trick that I picked up these year was to replace “I have to” with “I get to” when I start feeling tired, stressed, and grouchy. It’s a simple way to remind myself to be thankful for many of the everyday things we “have” to do. Here are some recent examples:
- I get to wake up in the middle of the night to soothe a crying child.
- I get to make a healthy(ish) dinner in between school homework and various activities/lessons and worrying that the kids get enough sleep.
- I get to maintain my older house from peeling paint, broken appliances, overgrown trees, termites, and other pests.
- I get to clean dog poop off in the cold rain after he steps in it without me realizing.
- I get to make a budget, search for points redemptions, and compare prices for our upcoming summer vacation.
- I get to drive back to school again to drop off a forgotten lunch or school project.
- I get to help my parents with a mundane tech support task.
- I get to remember to call my friend on their birthday.
- I get to fly on a crowded plane across the country with young children to visit family for the holidays.
- I get to worry about getting all of our estate planning affairs in order.
There are so many things that I “get” to do because I am healthy and able-bodied, live in a safe area, have a reliable source of income, and have a loving family. I’m always surprised at how easy it is to take such things for granted when you get engrossed in your own situation.
Happy Thanksgiving and I remain thankful for you as a reader! I hope that you find yourself surrounded by some of your own blessings this weekend.
