Day 1

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

First, the question: Why "Stop and Smell the Gardenias?" instead of the roses. Well, easy answer. This is an exercise in appreciating the beauty in life. I have gardenias planted on either side of my front door. As I leave my house in the morning and return in the evening, I see my gardenias. I love them. I appreciate them. I want them to be my reminder to "Smell the Gardenias" in all areas of my life. Plus, roses are cliche.

So, a lesson in thankfulness. For 21 days. Name 3 things for which I'm grateful. This will be easy. I do this daily anyway, right? I'd like to think so. We shall see, I suppose...

Today was easy at least... As I drove to work, in between blaring Zac Brown and guzzling my coffee, I thought... Today I shall be grateful for the 3 people who have already crossed my path today. I love them. I depend on them. I couldn't do what I do without them.

#1 - the light of my heart, my baby boy. He wakes me in the morning with the sweetest, "mom...mom" If I don't respond immediately, he waits patiently. God love him. I prayed for him and planned for him... for months, for years, really. He's more than I ever envisioned. More than I could have ever conjured he would be. He's fun and happy and polite and so freaking smart... So smart sometimes I worry that I'm not smart enough to be his mom. He's going to keep me on my toes. But, he's mine, and I'm eternally grateful.

#2 - the love of my life, my husband. We may not always agree on everything (and who would want to?), but I love his patience and the way he understands me, most of the time when I don't even understand myself. He challenges me. He makes me better. He makes me want to be a better version of myself. He's a rock for the family whom I admire. He makes me feel safe...and respected...and loved. I found him during a time in my life when I was searching... for truth... for compassion...for love. I am so grateful my path was led to his.

#3 - the caregiver of our child. She's deeply committed, eternally dependable, loving, fun, funny... I could not work outside of the home without her. When I leave on the days my baby boy is clinging to me and begging me not to leave, my heart is heavy. She arrives. She pulls out the trains, or cars or whatever... and makes him happy and content. I can go do what I do... trying to make a difference in other people's lives...to return later to the best (yet hardest) job on earth... that of being a mother. For THIS, the opportunity to be called "MOM", I am eternally thankful, grateful and blessed beyond measure.