World Gratitude Day: WHat Are You Thankful For?

***Disclosure: As a Nature's Sleep Ambassador, I receive product samples to facilitate reviews. All opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***

Lately, I have been in kind of a funk. This past summer has been very trying, both emotionally and physically. Between personal issues, the entire family getting sick over and over, and the depressing state of the world we live in, I have definitely found it hard to smile and think positive thoughts  lately. I guess that comes with the territory of being a very sensitive person in general. 

I would really like Fall to be a fresh start with a whole new outlook on life. Thankfully, World Gratitude Day is September 21, 2014. What better reason than to celebrate all the good things and small blessings in one's life, don't you agree? 

I'd like to share 5 things I am thankful for. Some of them are big, some are small. The fact is, I really do have a lot to be grateful for, even when life hands you bushels of lemons and there's no sugar to make lemonade. 

First, I am thankful that my teenage son, Kyle, has made a beautiful transition into high school. Like many teens, he wasn't too thrilled about the start of a new school year, and he had foolishly hoped that summer would last forever. He wasn't looking forward to new teachers, a new school, and the increased responsibility that comes with being a high school student. 

Thanks to his new Fiji Gel Mattress from Nature's Sleep, Kyle is getting a good night's sleep and is always ready to tackle the day. This is pretty impressive, considering my child adores his sleep. (Is this a common trait with teenagers?) He reports that he falls asleep faster and stays asleep longer with his new memory foam mattress, and that he wakes up feeling rejuvenated, rested, and refreshed. 

Even though his day starts earlier than it did in previous years, he seems bright-eyed and bushy-tailed every morning, and this makes my job as a Mom exponentially easier. I never have to fight with my teen to get him out of bed. For that, I am definitely grateful! 

I am also thankful for the fact that my husband, Dan, is an absolute goofball. He's the kind of guy that will go to the store in full costume just to get a laugh out of people. He is always looking on the bright side of things, and he always knows how to bring me back to reality when I am worrying too much about things I probably shouldn't worry about. (And since I am a worrier by nature, this happens a lot.)

 I am very thankful that my partner knows how to keep me balanced, grounded, and out of an insane asylum. Even if his antics do occasionally make it appear that he belongs in one. I mean, Count Chocula walking around the Walmart? Oh Lord. 

And of course, there's another man I am thankful for. My "other husband", Bruno Mars. Yes, he is a short, funny looking little guy, and would not typically be my type at all. There is just something about this guy that makes my knees go weak and I get all giddy...His voice, his moves, his musical versatility and talent...And his amazing sense of humor. (Seriously. YouTube has loads of funny Bruno videos, and they are hysterical!) 

Anyone who knows me is well aware that I don't generally care about celebrities at all. In fact, I usually don't even know who most of them are...But my Bruno is a different story entirely. I absolutely, positively love this man. Well, as much as you can love someone you've never met who wouldn't give you the time of day if you had. But hey, a girl can dream and swoon, right? Bruno Mars just makes me happy, and I am definitely grateful for that. 

As you may know, we have a bit of a zoo here. We have small dogs as well as 4 indoor cats. Over the past few months, we have also kind of adopted a small family of feral kitties. We built them a shelter, and we feed them daily. Mama kitty finally got vetted, and we had her spayed. 

But my favorite furry friend would have to be my Yorkie, Trouble. This little dog always seems to know how to make me smile. She does have a bit of an attitude, like she's ruler of the roost, but this just adds to her charm. Plus, she is snuggly, affectionate, and loves playing with the kids. Whoever coined the phrase "Man's Best Friend" definitely had my Trouble in mind! 

I am also thankful for silence. Granted, with a teen, a 3 year old, and a 4 year old in the house, quiet time is rare. My home is usually full of giggling, screaming, and shouting. This is usually a result of my 3 year old, Xander, tormenting his siblings. Next thing you know, toys are flying, kids are screaming bloody murder, and I wind up with a migraine.  (Did I mention my kids are insane?) So on the rare occasion that there is complete and absolute silence, I take full advantage of it. 

Last weekend, we decided to have Family Movie Night. We pulled out the sofa bed and put in an Indiana Jones Blu-Ray. Well, before I could even settle into bed with my bag of freshly popped, buttery popcorn, Dan, Sophie and Xander were all asleep. On my Nature's Sleep Aerated Viscolite Memory Foam Pillow. (The thieves!) Actually, sacrificing my oh-so-comfy pillow was a small price to pay for an hour or 3 of absolute, blissful silence. Plus, how cute are they, all piled up, sharing my pillow? Makes me feel warm and fuzzy. I adore my family, even if they are a bit wacky at times. 

I DID mention that I am thankful for Bruno Mars, right? Well, he's so amazing, I think he's worth an added, bonus mention. Yep. This girl has got it bad....And since I sleep with Nature's Sleep every night, I have plenty of time to dream of my Bruno in peace and comfort. 

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What things are YOU most grateful for on World Gratitude Day? I'd love to hear about all the blessings in your life!