Almost seven years ago I became a first-time mom to a beautiful baby boy. My world was turned upside down learning all the ways he could push my buttons one minute then turn around and look at me with big blues eyes and get what he wanted. He changed me for the better and I’m so thankful. Research proves that simply writing down what you are grateful for triggers the positive health benefits of gratitude. American Greetings is working to make this world a more thoughtful and place by asking people to show their gratitude in the simplest form possible, a Tweet, Instagram or Facebook post that names people for whom they’re thankful. I’ve got a few more reasons listed below!
I was changed again for the better two years later. On St. Patty’s Day our little spitfire came into this world full of spunk and personality from the get-go. Becoming a mom of two made me thankful each had a sibling close to the others age. I’m eight and ten years apart from my brother and sister so growing up they were more like parental figures than siblings.
And finally, while our story isn’t complete, our family is with the birth of our second son. I went in not knowing his gender or a name for a boy and out he popped! He’s learning to fill his big brother and sister’s shoes and does a great job teaching them to value their belongings. I’m thankful to have patience with three children, after all I’m outnumbered.
I’m thankful to have a house these kids can make messy. (Even though it drives me crazy)
I’m thankful these kids can teach me patience. I need it.
I’m thankful for their unconditional love. I’m not perfect and they let it slide.
I’m thankful for their hugs and kisses. Even the sloppy germy kind.
I’m thankful they want me around. Especially at night to tuck them in. I know it won’t last very long.
And finally I’m thankful they have a great daddy. Being from a single parent home I don’t remember much about my father. It was very important for me to find a guy who’d take his role as a father seriously. The memories we make as a family outshines the frustrations of parenting and the love I see between all of them makes a rough day easier.
American Greetings is partnering with United Way Worldwide as part of the ThankList campaign to give back during the season of gratitude; for each #ThankList shared on social, American Greetings will give $1 to United Way Worldwide. Funds donated during the campaign will be allocated towards hunger prevention. I’m on social media all day and in a world with hateful newsfeeds and heads buried deeply in our phones, we are becoming more and more disconnected. We’re becoming more alone together.
Share your #ThankList on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook and include the names for whom you’re thankful. Remember to use the hashtag #ThankList so American Greetings can give to United Way Worldwide.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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