Young Tiffany gives me some advice.

The other day we were straightening up the bookshelves. The little tasks like this so rarely happen, and I don't remember why it was happening that day (most likely one of the littles dumped a bookshelf upon the ground.) While we were busy, one of my boys brought me a red leather book. An old journal of sorts. I usually carry around a notebook to jot down things--anything, a budget, a conversation, an idea, a grocery list and so forth. I had this book around the time Josh and I were engaged--so about 8 years ago. I enjoyed flipping through the pages. I saw notes from meetings that I had had with clients, both photography and social work. I saw a list of monthly expenditures  and wished I still had the same amount of money left over after all the bills are paid and food is bought now. The thing that struck me most though was the wisdom I had. 

I am glad that my pre-child brain had left me some good advice for the future. The little thought that I had written down was something to the effect of, "I am constantly thinking that I need 'more.' More clients, more money, more education, more time with Josh, more time with friends etc . . . but really all I need more of is gratitude. 

Today I am trying to be more grateful for the things in my life that ARE good, that DO work. I am down with severe back pain. Yet I am so glad that I have kids that are old enough to fend for themselves, and help their younger brother and sister. 

I am so thankful that the rest of my body does work. I am thankful that I can type, chat on the phone, and boss my kids around, all from the (relative) comfort of my couch. 

I am so thankful for the heated back massager that we picked up from BB&B this weekend. When it is running, I can feel very little pain at all!

I am so thankful that my mother-in-law is going to come over and watch the kids so that I can go to the doctor.

I am thankful that I can still peel oranges for my little two-year olds, and watch their faces get more excited with every chunk of peel I manage to rip off. 

It is amazing how awesome life can still be, even from the couch!