Gratitude

"Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul."
Henry Ward Beecher

Sometimes in life it's difficult to find gratitude, it's difficult to wade through the thick nets of despair and discouragement that hinder our view. It's difficult to see through the challenges that have been thrown our way; challenges like Crohn's Disease and other difficulties we encounter. Sometimes it is easier to embrace them than pick them up and thrown them out of our path.

But I choose to clear my path and throw those challenges aside.
I choose gratitude.

This year at Thanksgiving dinner we were handed two pieces of paper to write down what we are thankful for; one piece for a serious note and one for a silly note. We placed them in a jar and at the end of dinner we read them aloud and shared in the thankfulness. It was the beginning of a new tradition.

Thanksgiving may be behind us, but I believe in carrying the gratitude on throughout the holiday season. If there is one thing I have learned over this past year, it is gratitude. It is a true belief in the magic of Christmas. The holiday season is not about gifts, glitter and trees. It's not about cookies, shopping and parties. It is about the spirit of the soul, it's about uniting together as a family, it's about sharing and it's about gratitude to what we have in life.

My list could reach for miles, but here are a few thoughts on what I am thankful for:

Our health | even though it's been a journey we are in a far better spot this holiday season than last.
My family | my husband and kids are my rock. Period. We are also so blessed to have a supportive family who are willing to step up and help us when we need them. From picking up kids from school, to cooking for Jonas to watching them while we are away. We couldn't do it without the loving support of family.
Our home | A home is more than just a house and I know that when I walk through our front door I am home.
Opportunities | I am thankful for opportunities we have been given in life and in our careers. I am thankful for the Babiekins Magazine team and the amazing support these women have shown me.
Friends| They are always there, always. I love them more than they know.
Food | Our lifestyle and how we conquer our son's Crohn's disease is unique. I am blessed we have the opportunity to eat and cook how we do; refined sugar free, preservative free, organic and nongmo. It has taken cutbacks in our budget but it's something I believe in.

What are you thankful for this holiday season?