Blessings Come in Many Sizes...

Holidays have an innate ability to bring out the best, and sometimes the worst, in ourselves and others. Surrounded by family, it is not unusual to relive moments from the past, or to revert to actions and responses thought long banished. In that environment, stories are often told, sometimes to evoke humor, or to embarrass or to intentionally cause pain. It is my hope that your weekend was filled with laughter and joy.  If you found your cheeks smarting from proverbial backhands instead of hurting from perpetual laughter, try to remember the blessings that are in your life. 

You control you.  You know who you are and where you are going.  Your boundaries are set so that people (including family) know where they are permitted to go, and where they cannot go.  Whomever responds negatively to your boundaries, to your rules, may do so.  That does not change who you are or what you’ve decided for yourself.  These realities are among those first blessings you should count.

Those who understand you, who understand your boundaries, those who love you and are willing to discuss things truthfully with you are also blessings. 

Health is next, in my opinion.  With all of the challenges that flow from battling an illness, to be healthy is truly a blessing.  

Many more blessings exist that will likely show up on your list.  Count and cherish each one.  While you do, I hope that your smile makes your own cheeks hurt.
 

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