This was challenging. I do try to be gracious but all the things I am grateful for don't always add up to the things that bring joy into my life.
10) The sunshine on my face! There is something so intoxicating about the warmth of the sun's rays. Even on a crisp fall day, the sun shining can warm your body right to the soul.
9) Traveling. I was blessed by my last job with the availability to travel all over. I enjoyed staying in a hotel, exploring new cities. When TJ and I took the kids to Louisiana, it was such an experience for us all. Teaching the kids little tidbits about the cities we passed, spending time together in close proximity, figuring out how to keep ourselves and each other entertained. I am looking forward to traveling again in the future.
8) Meeting new people. Along with the traveling comes meeting new people. Not just people who I form an everlasting bond with but people I might just meet by happenstance who make an impression on my heart.
7) Helping others. I love to give of myself. Give my time, advice, share my home, and whatever I can offer to enrich the lives of someone who is trying to make it on this world. I have volunteered at various humanities organizations since 7th grade. It puts a smile on my face to make someone's life easier.
6) Spending time with my dad. During my teen years, my lack of gratitude and inability to accept my own wrong doings drove a rift between my father and I. However over the past 10 years I have grown and have been able to be open and honest about some of my negative choices. My dad is a very understanding man. Many times I have made choices that he has advised against and many times I have said to myself, "I should have listened to my dad." My dad is insightful, he has so many stories to share, some hysterical and some historical. My most favorite memories have been these past few months as dad has been down here working on the house and it's just been him and I sharing stories and asking questions about each other.
5) Food. It's no surprise that food makes a fat girl happy. Barring the unhealthy relationship I have with food, there are things that make me happy and joyous about food. I love to cook. My favorite are family recipes like baked Mac and cheese and spaghetti. I also love to bake. I love the precision of baking. I love the challenge myself in the culinary realm.
4) Babies. I love babies, the smell, the cry, the snuggles, the dependency. I just love babies. I read once that spending time with new borne released endorphins. I believe it. There is nothing more soothing to me than cuddling with a baby in a rocker, lulling, or singing. Ah pure joy!
3) TJ. I couldn't make a list about happiness without mentioning my love. I usually have no problem venting my frustrations to him. I know that I need to work on loving him better. He is a good man and an excellent father! TJ is so kind and passive. He is my biggest fan and supporter. No other partner has loved or adored me in the capacity that TJ has. He truly is my soul-mate! The ying to my yang. I can always count on him! He is helping me raise the best children. He has went on some wild journeys with me, some that he knew would be catastrophic but loved me and supported me through it all. He is my biggest fan! I love him so so much.
2) My children: Let me start with my first born. My flesh and blood. My miracle. My Louis. Being a mom at 15 was not easy! I knew it all and didn't want to take advice from anyone. I can't always say I made the right choices when raising Louis. I can tell you that Louis has always given me hope! When I was in an abusive marriage, Louis was my hope that things would be better. My motivation to stay away and make changes. When I lost my leg, Louis was my reason to fight! His encouragement kept me going! I love the person he has become. Face timing him makes my heart warm.
Then there was Aiden who has been in and out of our lives for years. I fell in love with him the day he was born. Aiden inspires me. He has over come so much at such a young age. He is so smart and resilient. Aiden's heart and his story would touch any heart. His hugs make me warm!
Last and certainly not least is my baby girl, Aryeonna. I have always wanted a daughter and the day I held Aryeonna for the first time, my heart belonged to her. I have been accused of loving her too much but growing up the only girl, it was so nice to finally have a girl of my own! Aryeonna is easy to love! She is smart and independent. She is a people person. With her good heart, strong people skills, and intelligence, I could see her running this country some day! She is a natural leader and displays all the characteristics that I love about myself and see within her. Aryeonna and I have a special bond. She has stolen my heart.
1) The holy trinity. The Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has guided me in this post. There is no more joyous feeling then when I feel the Holy Spirit filling my soul. I am washed in the blood of Jesus. Because of Him, my sins will be forgiven and I will join Him as a co-heir to our great kingdom. And God, creator of all things, all things that make me happy. He is joy!
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