For those who don’t already know, I make a gratitude list after every FaceTime call with my mom and dad. I used to dread FaceTiming with them and I would hang up feeling so depressed. It made me not want to FaceTime with them. I would avoid it at all costs.
I knew I had to do something to turn it around, so I started making a gratitude list after every call. Now I actually look forward to FaceTiming with them because I focus on the good things so I’ll have something to put on my list afterward. I always have at least one thing to put on my list, usually more. It’s made me realize how much I still have to be thankful for.
I make these lists as soon as I hang up the phone because I don’t want to forget anything. Take a look at the last thing on today’s list (below). I wrote it without even thinking about it. When I went back to read my list, the last thing stood out to me. Wait a minute, I’m actually THANKFUL that my mom doesn’t know where I live or that I’m married?
Yes, I am.
Why?
Because that’s the most real conversation we’ve had in a very long time. Because she asked me questions that actually made sense, regardless of whether or not she should know the answers. Because she was able to follow along with the conversation. And because she sounded and looked so happy. After all, her happiness is the only thing that really matters.
A few years ago this conversation would have brought me to tears. I would have been so upset that my own mom didn’t know I was married. If you would have told me then that one day I’d be thankful for this same exact conversation, I would have never believed you.
This disease changes you, friends.
Let. It.
