Day 5 of the Think Thankfully 30 Day Gratitude Challenge

“Into each life some rain must fall,

Some days must be dark and dreary.”

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Day 5 of the Think Thankfully 30 Day Gratitude Challenge was just that today. A challenge. Although I always try to be positive, driving to my after school training tonight, I called my mom and simply said, “I’m not sure I have anything to be thankful for today. It’s been one of THOSE days.” Her response? “Just think, you only have one more night of training after this one!” Hmmmmmmm, that propelled me into a thankful state of mind almost immediately!!!

As I drove HOME from the training, I couldn’t help but think of the quote I used at the start of this blog posting. Between that quote and one of my favorite children’s literature books about a wee one named Alexander, I realized that yes, bad days are bound to happen. No one is immune to a bad day. I found it ironic that relatively recently, I posted an image saying something to the effect of rather than having a bad day, be thankful you HAVE the day.  So there it was, folks, my own advice used somewhat against me, even if in my own mind!

Honestly, I have had two very challenging days at school. Adding new students to the mix is almost always a recipe for immediate struggles. Between trying to establish new routines with a student one marking period into the school year, keeping the consistency with the other students in the classroom, mixing a new personality to the classlist, and those trying to establish their pecking order, it has been a crazy two days. And honestly, I wasn’t sure I could accept the darkness and rain into my days. I like when things go swimmingly. Heck, who doesn’t! Having my mom kinda kick me in the pants, made me realize that some days a little rain MUST fall and some days MUST be dark and dreary in order for us to refocus and realize just how amazing our lives really are. It is almost a wake-up call for us to get back to our thankful attitude regarding where we are and what we have!

I know with a little patience, we will have our new addition right in there with the rest of them, enjoying the perks of being in Room 101. Until then, I will take the rain, use it to help make my garden of wee ones grow, and also to help me grow into an even better person!!!

Think Thankfully!!!