I am grateful for...ironic timing

My friend Jenn sent me a link via text message today. The link said something about the secret of happiness and I thought it would be a link of...oh, I don't know- attractive men in boxers doing dishes or vacuuming, or puppies licking babies, or a funny video about farting. THAT is where my mind went. But my phone wouldn't let me open the link so I had to wait until I got home and do it on my computer. When I opened the video it became pretty clear what it was going to be about...

Gratitude.

I then thought about Jenn's text that came with the link:

And it made me want to laugh-cry (yes laugh-crying is a real thing, I do it often). I found it ironic that my friend would send me a link "revealing the secret to happiness", and claim that it reminded her of me while I sat in a therapist's waiting room prepared to discuss how unhappy I have been.

I've had a rough few months blog friends. I would say my sadness has been lingering since May. To the point that I sometimes feel like I can't function. I recently learned that my sadness stems from me being codependent. I'm normal and I go through ups and downs like anyone else but this down has felt never ending. I've had some of my darkest hours and loneliest moments these past few weeks. Without going into too many personal details I will just say that I haven't been showing gratitude as often as I should be. I neglect my poor gratitude journal. Which is so silly of me considering that last year at this time I was doing it on a daily basis and was A LOT happier. But I think I have also really slacked on SHOWING gratitude to the people in my life. What can I say? I stopped making gratitude a priority. I won't even begin to blame all my "problems" on just my lack of expressing gratitude, but I will venture a guess that my sadness would probably greatly improve if I got back on the gratitude wagon and started trying harder to do better. So that is my goal. And I challenge all of you to do the same. If things feel particularly hard for you right now or if you are just feeling down and can't figure out why-I challenge you to start keeping a gratitude journal. Focus on the blessings you have, the people you have, the experiences you get to have and the qualities you possess and remind yourself to be grateful for them each day. I am setting a reminder on my phone. Yes, my life has come to this. I am now going to remind myself to show gratitude. But I know it will pay off.

And thank you Jenn! You were inspired to send that link when you did and it inspired me to be better. Thank you so much.

Here is the video she sent me:

TEN years!

Kendrick and I celebrate 10 years of marriage on Monday!!! I am writing this now though because we will be on vacation on Monday.  So TEN YEARS...
A whole decade is how long we've been married now. I almost can't believe it. It's crazy to me how time flies. I am treating this anniversary as a big deal because Kendrick and I have been through a lot of tough stuff in the past few years. Life has put us through the ringer and our relationship has definitely been tested. It feels like Satan has been working overtime on us ever since Easton was born...

But I still think our marriage is so good. I honestly feel like I hit the jackpot when it comes to supportive, kind and affectionate husbands. Kendrick is my very best friend. And I'm not just saying that to point out that of all the friends I have right now, he's my favorite. I mean, of all the friends I have ever had in my life, he is the best one I've ever had. Because he is loyal, he doesn't judge, he makes me laugh, he puts up with all of my emotional crap, he is patient with me, and he tries to build me up and help me see myself in a better light. No other friend has ever been able to, or has even attempted to do all those things for me.

I am grateful every day to wake up next to Kendrick.
I am grateful to have someone love me as much as he does. Despite all the tough stuff we have been through, I still feel lucky to be married to such a great guy and I still look forward to spending eternity with him. I am excited that we are happily celebrating our 10th Wedding Anniversary on Monday.

I first heard this song a few weeks ago on The Billboard Music Awards. LOVE it! This song perfectly sums up my obsessive love for my husband;) This one is for you babe...