A Month of Thankfulness: Elizabeth of The Little Black Door

Here we are readers, just a few days before Thanksgiving. Today, I have my last guest blogger of the month sharing her thoughts on thankfulness: the charming Elizabeth of Little Black Door. 

Certainly you all know Elizabeth and her blog Little Black Door. I'm going to go ahead and assume her blog is a staple in your blog reader, as she is never short of colorful, creative and affordable ideas that inspire her readers again and again. To top it all off, Elizabeth is an amazing, supportive, thoughtful blog friend and a faithful commenter. She has been featured in HGTV Magazine and on CNN.com and I don't think these good things could have happened to a kinder person. But enough of that...here she is!

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Thanks, Ashley, for including me in the month of thankfulness. This is a great practice that I think we should devote more time to throughout the year. Everyone needs a good kick in the head once in a while to remember to be thankful for what we have. We are all pretty lucky. As for me, I am thankful for perspective.

Almost five years ago I lost my sister and one of my best friends within a month of each other. One after a long illness and one rather suddenly. And although they happened differently, they were equally tough to take. Life seems to go into slow motion after something that traumatic happens. And even though it seems impossible at the time, things do eventually start to move and daily life takes over again. But that impact remains and it forever changes the way you look at things.

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Now make no mistake, I freak out if my DVR doesn't record "Scandal". I've found some new bedding that I'm convinced I must have and, at least once a week, I fear my children are going to drive me to lose my mind. But before I get too carried away, that perspective kicks in and I'm grateful to have the time to enjoy watching a good show. I'm grateful to have a husband who washes our worn out sheets. And I'm grateful to have the ability to spend so much time with two amazing little girls. I have friends that will stand by me until the bitter end and a family that will (and does) do anything for me. And that is really all there is. The rest is just...extra. Thank you perspective for keeping me in line.

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She's right, isn't she? Whenever I get down, I have to take a step back and count my blessings. Challenges will arise--some seeming insurmountable and others just annoying--but keeping perspective reminds me that I am very blessed.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for joining the series and contributing your very important perspective!