Gratitudes

I am reading several books right now, including 2 self-help books that I find incredibly helpful:

"It's Called a Breakup Because It's Broken," by Greg & Amiira Behrendt &
"Getting Past Your Breakup," by Susan J. Elliott.

The first book takes a humorous approach to dealing with a breakup, but actually manages to deliver some solid advice.  It's an enjoyable read - even though the subject matter is painful.  Greg Behrendt also wrote "He's Just Not That Into You," which I guess I will have to add to my reading list when I am actually ready & out there dating!

The second book was written by a woman who experienced a painful divorce, and then went on to earn a degree in psychology, (and a law degree,) and through a series of exercises really forces you to realistically assess your (now past) relationship(s) & go through the grieving to healing process.

Both books suggest creating a list of things you are grateful for, and to consistently add to & update that list.  I really want to be positive today, so here goes:

I am grateful to have 2 wonderful, happy, loving children.
I am grateful to have the most loving, supportive mother, who has made herself available to me, even when I know it is driving her crazy, at all hours during the worst of times.
I am grateful to have an awesome brother who loves me & employs me & supports me in a lot of ways.
I am grateful to have a wonderful extended family.  My aunt has always been there for me, my uncle gives me comic relief, and my cousins are great!
I am grateful for all of my "old" friends who have stuck with me, even when I behaved in a way they did not understand, and acted in a way that they did not approve of.  Their acceptance of me, with all of my faults and f*&k ups, really touches my heart.
I am grateful for all of my "new" friends who have come along at a crazy time in my life, and are helping me get through it & grow & change.
I am grateful for my various at-home jobs that (hopefully, on a wing & a prayer) will enable me to remain available for my children in the way I always have been & intend to be.
I am grateful for the really cute, somewhat affordable house I found on short notice to rent & occupy.
I am grateful for the weight I have lost, because my self-confidence & self-worth have always been tied to my weight - and I know that is an issue in itself I need to fix, but I would be feeling even worse if I was heavier!!!
I am grateful that I have a fun girls-only trip to Myrtle Beach planned with my daughter & some friends next month.
I am grateful that I have the opportunity to escape from NC this summer and spend a month in FL with my children! 

Wow.  Writing this list really does put things in perspective.  When I start feeling sorry for myself I need to re-read this list over & over until I feel better. 

I guess I should end this post by noting that I am grateful it is a warm, sunny day & I am going to the pool with my kiddies & some friends this afternoon!