I first wanted to thank all of you who have read and commented on one of my recent posts regarding our time management as bloggers, which was also included in this week’s IFB Links a la Mode. It was entirely from my heart, and to know that so many of you are feeling and struggling with the same things is encouraging. I would love to hear from each and any of you regarding any “progress” you’ve made in this area- don’t hesitate to drop me an email! I have made some myself, and the past week or so has been a little different, and guess what? My blog and I are doing just fine, no withdrawal symptoms have been recorded. 😉
Anyway, to be completely honest, my brain is seemingly fried to a crisp from this past week, that is, finals week. Dreadful. I was clear out of inspiration after having to write multiple research projects along with a few different discussions, until I was sitting on the couch last night thinking of all the things I actually have. And then it became clear to me what my next post should be..
Things I’m Thankful For.
Such a simple statement, but one with such profound meaning.
This is quite the reality check — isn’t it?
This season is filled to the brim with wish lists of things we want and gift guides which, let’s be honest now, usually include half the things on our lists. And while there’s nothing wrong with these, I remembered that this time of the year, or any, for that matter is not about me. It is anything but natural for any of us to be selfless, but learning this lesson is perhaps one of the greatest lessons we can learn in our life. I don’t mean that you can’t love yourself, or be good to yourself. By all means, do! But there is a fine line that need be recognized, of when how much is just too much, and when we need to pay attention to the people around us.
1. Family
This is without a doubt one of the greatest things I have been blessed with. Those of you who know me, know that I come from a large family. With this, comes the constant borrowing of clothes, missing curling irons, arguing of who gets the TV remote, or having to paint each other’s nails. But I absolutely positively love it. I could not imagine my life without each and every one of my sisters in it. I love them dearly. They are my best friends, and the bond that we have cannot be surpassed by any other. Unless you have a sister, you really cannot fully comprehend what I am talking about. Yes, we have experienced our fair share of hardship, but the insurmountable love that we have for each other has only grown and we have been bonded together even more.
2. Clothing
I recently saw this quote and it immediately made me think of clothes:
Be thankful for what you have, you’ll end up having more.
If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you’ll never, ever have enough.
This is hard, I will admit. It’s so easy to always be wanting something new. But the past months I have realized to be content with the clothing that I do have. I don’t need to go and blow my entire paycheck on buying new clothes when I have an entire closet jam-packed with one’s to wear, when some people only have the clothes on their backs. Satisfaction does not come in possessions, nor does happiness. If I had every piece of clothing I have ever wanted, I would not be truly happy. So instead of focusing on all of the pieces I do want, I am realizing to be thankful for the ones I already have. Think about it. Maybe you need to do this too.
3. Boyfriend
Every day I wake up and wonder how I ended up with this man. God must have spent a little more time on him (I don’t care if that’s cliche, it’s true!). He is incredibly patient and caring, handsome and always smiling, never ceasing to put others before himself. Sometimes, I envy his selflessness. He has the ability to light up an entire room, just by walking in it. Or light up my entire day just by saying hello. He has an undeniable warming affect on whomever he talks to, with that large smile and catching laugh. The greatest thing about him is his understanding, loving heart. It is unconditional. Anf for that, I am so thankful.
Of course, there are many thing I am thankful for. But instead of compiling another long list of them, I wanted to touch on three, which are in no particular order by the way, and elaborate a little on them. It’s so easy to get sidetracked and be concerned with ME, ME, ME all the time when so often we need to stop and put ourselves second, remembering others and what we have.
So, in this week before Christmas, make it a point to be concerned with those around you, catering to their needs and loving them. I promise you, that you will find a beautiful satisfaction and warmth in seeing the joy of loving others.
Agreed times a million! Be thankful, truly grateful, and you will live a fulfilled life. I am soooooo blessed, and I know it and I feel amazed. Even when things don’t go exactly like I want them to, I just remember all the wonderful pieces of my life–puts me to shame for feeling upset about having to wait for one thing to fall into place.
This post brought me back to earth. I am sitting here with my beautiful nephew, on my brand new computer with my family in a warm house, right before Christmas time, the birth of my Savior and I am in a sulky mood because every little thing is not going my way?
I need to get it together. YOU ARE SO RIGHT–I feel very thankful now. For everything, including you and this amazing blog and post.
Beautiful words! And very much what Christmas and life in general should be about; appreciating and giving thanks for all the good things in life! (without sounding corny) haha xoxo Meg
This is such a great post , I totally agree with you . We should be thankful for everything 🙂 Thanks for following my blog anyway , I’ve followed yours !
Awesome post Marissa!! I just adore you. Beautiful, kind, AND smart!!
I agree with everything you said here, and it was a great reminder! I’m glad you can finally rest your brain a bit, and I hope you have a beautiful time back at home with family. 🙂
So true my dear! We need to be thankful for what we have, not buy everything in the stores! It is so hard when looking at other blogs or websites but remixing with what we have is just as fun!
Hey Marissa! Thank you so much for dropping by! I’m so glad you like my blog 😀
This is a lovely post- it’s so nice to just reflect on the things we’re grateful for sometimes, especially around the holidays when I feel like those things are extra important. Hehe- I’m grateful for my clothes, too… they make my day everyday!! 😛 😛 Merry Christmas!! XoXo!
Hey girl! Loving this post, it rings so true during this time of year!
I remember seeing that first one a while ago and thinking, ‘wow’. It’s so easy to forget how lucky we are, and how much we really do have. And that quote about how recognizing your blessings will always attract more is so true. . . the power of The Secret right there!
Anyways, great post as always. . . and so well written 🙂 hearts and hugs, Nina
thats a great post.thank u for sharing.very meaningful.
http://mformariza.blogspot.com/
xx
follow meeee!!!!
Agreed times a million! Be thankful, truly grateful, and you will live a fulfilled life. I am soooooo blessed, and I know it and I feel amazed. Even when things don’t go exactly like I want them to, I just remember all the wonderful pieces of my life–puts me to shame for feeling upset about having to wait for one thing to fall into place.
This post brought me back to earth. I am sitting here with my beautiful nephew, on my brand new computer with my family in a warm house, right before Christmas time, the birth of my Savior and I am in a sulky mood because every little thing is not going my way?
I need to get it together. YOU ARE SO RIGHT–I feel very thankful now. For everything, including you and this amazing blog and post.
So, thank you Marissa! 🙂
xo,
Jenna
Sweet post 🙂
new follower!
Love this post 🙂 So true! And such a great reminder.
Hope you’re having a great weekend!
xo Laura Marie
Aw this is such a pretty, heartfelt post.
& That illustration is one of my faves. ♥
Beautiful words! And very much what Christmas and life in general should be about; appreciating and giving thanks for all the good things in life! (without sounding corny) haha
xoxo
Meg
This is a lovely post – i love the quote you put with ‘clothing’. So true. xx Laura
This is a great post and full of really important things to be thankful for, thanks for the reminder 😉 xxx
This is such a great post , I totally agree with you . We should be thankful for everything 🙂 Thanks for following my blog anyway , I’ve followed yours !
aww this is so sweet. i hope you have a lovely christmas!!
…look closer
Awesome post Marissa!! I just adore you. Beautiful, kind, AND smart!!
I agree with everything you said here, and it was a great reminder! I’m glad you can finally rest your brain a bit, and I hope you have a beautiful time back at home with family. 🙂
So true my dear! We need to be thankful for what we have, not buy everything in the stores! It is so hard when looking at other blogs or websites but remixing with what we have is just as fun!
Hey Marissa! Thank you so much for dropping by! I’m so glad you like my blog 😀
This is a lovely post- it’s so nice to just reflect on the things we’re grateful for sometimes, especially around the holidays when I feel like those things are extra important. Hehe- I’m grateful for my clothes, too… they make my day everyday!! 😛 😛 Merry Christmas!! XoXo!
Claudia from Molto ❤ Fashion
Hey girl! Loving this post, it rings so true during this time of year!
I remember seeing that first one a while ago and thinking, ‘wow’. It’s so easy to forget how lucky we are, and how much we really do have.
And that quote about how recognizing your blessings will always attract more is so true. . . the power of The Secret right there!
Anyways, great post as always. . . and so well written 🙂
hearts and hugs,
Nina