My husband and I are going through one of those stressful times that happen in everyone’s life. Sometimes it’s easy to get bogged down by the stress and chaos, but this past weekend, I came away with a vast appreciation for what we do have and the good things in our life.

I don’t want to feel like I am venting, because nothing bothers me more then when people complain without solutions. So, I promise it won’t take too long…

To get a little glimpse of what we have goin’ on, we are going on almost two years (off and on) of trying to sell our home. We have a town home in a nice development, but the several foreclosures and short sales around us have completely kicked our house price out of the competition.  We are the responsible home owners who have never missed a payment and take pride in the home we live in. Yet, our life is on hold because we can’t sell our home.  One guy in our neighborhood just stopped paying his mortgage.  He had a nice truck, huge boat, and a fancy motorcycle and one day just got up and left his house. Seriously, who does that?  Anyhoo…don’t get me started on that.

Right now, we live about 45 minutes away from family (which I know is much better then some people), but we really want to be closer to family, friends, and work.  I want a yard that our two year-old and puppy can run around in. I want to be able to grow a garden (not a clue how I would go about doing this, but it seems nice). I want more space to expand our family and I don’t want to hear my neighbor’s television through our walls.  I also want to be able to call my sister on a whim to come over for dinner on a Tuesday night.  So, a lot of wants…

Next, my poor husband was one of the many unfortunate casualties in the workforce who was laid off from their stable careers. It’s something that everyone fears, but never really thinks it will happen to them. It has been hard, but I must say it hasn’t been as hard as we thought. We really pulled together as a family and tried to look at it as a mixed blessing as it will now allow him to find something he truly loves; something that challenges his interests; and something that gives him a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. He is an incredibly hard-working and passionate person, and I know any company will be lucky to have him join them.  But until that day comes, it’s still challenging.  My husband, who was used to working long hours and providing for the family, in a matter of days, became a stay-at-home dad by day, Caribou-job searcher by night. I don’t think many dads feel wired to be stay at home dads, so I think it has been an adjustment for us all.  However, I will say that he and Declan have created this incredible bond together, which has been so cute to see.  As mothers, we have our three month maternity leave after having a baby, but often times dads don’t have that time to spend with their child. So, it has been a blessing that this bump in the road provided an opportunity that they would never normally have. 

So yes…things suck a little and to some extent, we have a right to be mad and frustrated. However, they are all things we cannot control. We have so much to be grateful for, and this weekend, especially, I was able to step back and feel calm, relaxed, and truly happy. I started to realize that we need to focus on and appreciate the things we can control, and just know that the things in our life we cannot control will change in time.  We must be patient.  Not my strength. But working on it.

I have a beautiful family, and feel incredibly lucky to know that we are all in it for the long haul, no matter what. Every single one of us brings something to the table.  Even our little black lab Luca. She is a little mother and protector to Declan.  Regardless of the fact that we often pull Declan off her and tell him she is not a horse, their relationship is really special. We feel pretty lucky to have a family pet who is just that…such a part of the family. 

We have a nice roof over our head. Yes, we would like to be in something bigger with a yard, but our home is cozy, warm, and secure.  We have a home that has built so many memories over the past few years.  Memories that I will never forget. 

We also have money in savings and over the years have developed a strong financial portfolio. Yes, we are on a tighter budget, but we are doing okay.  More than anything, we have realized that we don’t need as much as we thought to make us happy.  We have never spent outside our means, but since we have become more aware of our spending, I have realized that cutting back really isn’t as noticeable as I thought it would be.  Plus, this is temporary, so we can do this.  

I feel lucky to have a good job in this economy and sure have learned to appreciate my own situation more.

I was also diagnosed with a rare brain disorder in December 2005, which was the scariest and most trying time in my life.  But now, I don’t remember life before it and I wouldn’t be the same person had I not gone through all of it. I know without a doubt that I am a better person because of everything I have been through and I appreciate everyday I wake up and feel good.  I look at life differently and now finally can understand that that things will happen in our life, and it is how we handle these times that get us through.   

I love my life.  Despite the challenges and hardships, the crammed town home, the long hours at work, and the days I don’t feel well.  The thing is…I always have my best friend by my side, my favorite little boy keeping me on my toes, and our dog who loves us unconditionally every single day (literally, overwhelming kisses every single day). 

I think it is fair to say that all of us think at one time or another, “Life is good. But life could be better.”

Of course…

There is nothing wrong about wanting more for yourself.  There is nothing wrong with wanting luck on your side.  And there is certainly nothing wrong with thinking life isn’t fair every once in a while.  However, you will never reach true happiness if you are constantly thirsting for more.  For me, giving myself grace and taking a step back to appreciate all of the good things in life helps make those not-so-great moments seem a little less important.

What are the things you have been able to take a step back and appreciate during a stressful time? They can even be small things.  For me today, it was chocolate…