*Image Credit: www.easthill.org
With all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I have been very busy here on the blog sharing all of our family’s experiences and even reviews and giveaways of some of our favorite products. As the New Year approaches, I feel the need to slow it down a little bit for this post and share some of our family’s behind the scenes stuff which I’m sure many of you can surely relate to…
Two weeks before Christmas, my husband got laid off from his job. It certainly wasn’t the best time for this to happen but then, is it ever good timing? I keep reminding myself that it could be worse, at least I still have my job and medical benefits, thank God. Every single time I turn around, I hear about families being hard hit by unemployment in these uncertain economic times and I’m thankful for what we do have.
Today, my boys attended a basketball game with my Father in Law at Fordham University and I stayed behind because walking around such a huge college campus is just not possible with the bone pain I suffer from as a side effect of my medication. Once again, I am very fortunate that I am able to take medication to keep me alive to be here with my boys so, once again, I am counting my blessings instead of lamenting over not being able to attend the game.
I suppose the purpose of this post is to remind all of you that we all have crosses to bear, so to speak, and struggles to overcome. Especially during the holidays, it is hard for some people to look around at how happy others are and not be able to help feeling sorry for themselves. The truth is that everyone goes through things behind closed doors and it is important to keep that in mind when you feel alone and like nobody could possibly understand how you feel or what you are going through.
This whole discussion brings to mind the old saying:
“I cried because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet” Author Unknown.
As you look towards the New Year, look upon it with hope and the desire for new beginnings. Just know that, at the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is to be kind to one another and that what doesn’t kill you just makes you stronger…
© 2013, Tough Cookie Mommy. All rights reserved.
My mom told me that saying when I was a kid and I never forgot it, it’s so true. I was feeling very depressed around the holidays for no good reason, I couldn’t seem to snap out of it even though I know how blessed I am. But luckily I was able to snap out of it. My boyfriend tells me that someone somewhere has it much worse so be grateful. Definitely something to remember with the new year coming.
The constant need to pretend is not good for us or for our kids. Thanks for being honest. A friend once said to me he would never use the saying “it can’t get any worse,” ever again because in fact it can!
I like the the old saying, & wow you said it best we all go through ruff times behind close doors, but we have to stay strong for our kids, so we need to keep our head up & stand tall and get through the ruff times, because Life is like a crystal stair
Very well written and I agree with all you have said–while it is easy to “cry in your beer” it is much better to just “keep in truckin”–You are definitely not alone although sometimes it feels like it.
Your thoughts are so positive. We should thank god for everything he gave us. We only acknowledge god when in pain or suffering.thank you for sharing this post, I totally agree with you
I think if everyone had that attitude the world would be a better place. It’s so easy to feel bad for yourself when something doesn’t go your way, but keeping a positive attitude is so important. There is always someone who has it way worse.
This post is very humbling. I’ve had a rough year, but a learning one. Good for you for accepting what you cannot change, and seeing the bright side. I hope 2014 is fabulous for you and your family!
Very true. Being kind is still something everyone should take in mind of – always being thankful and practicing gratitude, too.
We have had a rough year also but I look around and see so many people worse off than we are. The day before Christmas Eve one of our neighbors was having to take their young son off of life support. It reminded me to be thankful of all the things we do have.
This year was a great year for us but could have been a lot better if we could have got a house. Were looking forward to next year though!
I’m sorry to hear about your husband losing his job. I am glad that you are maintaining a positive attitude (love the quote!). I hope 2014 brings blessings your way.
Blessings to you and your family! May this year be filled with happiness and joy, and may it bring only good memories to you all! In Ecuador it isn’t “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Here the saying goes: “What doesn’t kill you, makes you fatter.” 😉
so true. thanks for the reminder. i’m so sorry that your husband lost his job. as the saying goes – when one door closes a new door opens.
Yep. as long as we have health that is all that matters we will survive! Hope and those who have family support = love. Thanks!
Thank you for sharing this, it’s a great reminder of what is important. I hope 2014 is a great year for you.
Great Post! It is so true that sometimes we loose sight of what is really important. That is that we have the love and support of those around us. I hope things take a turn for the better for you and your family. Happy New Year!
It is important to compare wants/needs/must haves and really know what is important when it comes to goals and new year’s optimism.
Thank you for the reminder to keep hope alive, especially in the face of a new year. The general media push at this time of year is that we all should be so happy and looking forward to the year to come while making resolutions to improve, improve, improve, but that can be difficult. I appreciate your honesty and your optimism.
I love how you still look at the positive. There’s always someone out there who has it worse than you do.
I really love that saying. It means a lot when you stop and think. Happy New Year!
Great post and totally agree.. we should look at the good things in life; I always feel bad that I can’t do something with the boys but I guess I should be thankfull that my medication keeps me going to and keeps me around the boys.. thanks for making me think a different way..love it
I always remind myself of this when I look around and some are on vacations or have more. I could have so much less. Just being alive is a blessing.
This was a beautiful post Maria. I’m sorry for your husband….but your post reminds me that everything happens for a reason. And some things are blessings in disguise. This year has been brutal and I am hope for much better in 2014. You are so right, we all go through our stuff, and often silently, so we should all be kind to each other. Happy 2014 to you and your family!
Thank you so much for this heart-felt post. I know it is tough to see silver linings through darkness, but they are there. I recently flew from Chicago to Canada. We were in total clouds and yet, I had to remind myself the blue sky was still there. And eventually, after a few bumps there it was. I hope 2014 is a much better year for you, filled with tons of blessings and wonderful, positive surprises! 🙂
Thank you for such a wise and inspirational quote! I am sorry for all the troubles that you have to deal with, but being thankful and positive is the best thing you can do!
Yes, you are so correct. Lot of people hurting but they don’t openly show it.
well today starts a new year so i hope to work out a lot more and be a better person. Love your inspirational post! have a great day!
Thanks for reminding us to be thankful for what we have. I loved the quote.
This is a great blog and we always have to keep reminding ourselves and others to be thankful.
i agree that i have it better than others in this world and need to think about that before i complain. i will make it a resolution to be kind to everyone i talk to this year.