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| Photo credit: KateWares via Flickr |
If you've been keeping up with my blog, you know the past few months have been a struggle financially. And if you've ever struggled financially, then you know that puts a stress on everything else: marriage, kids and self-esteem included. It's been a challenge to feel grateful for what we still have even though they are the most important things (health, love, a roof over our heads) and I work on it every day.
Yesterday, I ran out of toilet paper. Drip dry or paper towel, kids. I didn't have the cash to go buy more. I didn't want to write a check that might not go through. Today is payday and it takes a few days for it to show up. Plus, most of it is already gone between gas, groceries and bills. Furthermore, it is not mentally healthy to attempt to take my 3 kids (7, 5, 2) to the store when I am highly stressed. A recipe for parenting disaster, that is.
A good friend of mine called - she never calls. We usually email to arrange in-person play-dates for us and our kids. After some small-talk I let loose and cried on her "shoulder" for a few minutes - vented is a more appropriate term. I'm not used to this kind of financial struggle; we used to be comfortable. So much for taking a chance on our dream business, but I refuse to regret it. Moving on...
A host of emotions rolled over me, gratitude being one, but shame and embarrassment too. However, I hiked up my big-girl panties and let those restrictive emotions pass on through. What I was left with was an immense sense of gratitude. I was humbled and so thankful.
Never let pride prevent you from feeling gratitude. Never let pride get in the way of accepting a friend or family member's generosity. Let love and gratitude flow through you - it feels amazing.
Do you practice gratitude?
Everyone goes through tough times....it's hard to accept those special gifts! What a thoughtful thing your friend did! Things will turn around for you and there will be chances for you to be generous to someone that needs it.
ReplyDeleteMichelle
What a sweet post! It really inspires me to go out and practice a random act of kindness for someone. And I love your attitude, too. (Got your blog address from Bloggy Moms blog hop, by the way. :) )
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing friend you have! Sometimes all we need is knowing that someone out there cares and is there for us :-) I know that many people have probably said this, but things will get better. It's hard to see right now, but there will be light at the end of the dark tunnel! Best of luck and sending best wishes your way.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are awesome. Thanks for your visit and support!
ReplyDeleteThat's a good lesson. SO many of us (including me) are in difficult financial situations and if we weren't we'd want our friends to feel able to accept our kindness. Plus, people like the feeling they get from doing nice things, so it's good for them too!
ReplyDelete