G is for "Gratitude"

There have been days in my marriage when I have been unable to find a grateful bone in my own body...days when nothing looked good and I couldn't find a reason to keep doing what we were doing.

Somehow, love has always kept us together, even at the worst times. And sitting down with pen and paper to list out all of the things I love most about my husband has been a big component of my journey back to the marriage "living." 

It's easy to list out all the things that piss me off...all the things he doesn't do...all the things he used to be and isn't...all the things....all the things....

But when I bitch about all that stuff to my counselor, he usually sets me straight. :Even if he only contributes a little, it's more than you'd have if he wasn't there." True. And then comes the question - do you want him there? Is it more or less stressful to be married? Even at our worst, being together has provided us a partner in parenting a high maintenance child. He also cooks most nights. And, usually, he takes out the garbage. It's more than some husbands do.

I know he does more when he feels motivated by my actions. When our love life is going strong, he tends to be more industrious...willingly. So being ungrateful for the few things he continues to do when he's down is really rather counterproductive. 

Keeping a gratitude journal isn't a bad idea. Everyday, I'm grateful to be with my husband, even when it's hard, and writing down the reasons is a good way to start and end the day. So, I'm adding it to my Love Planner (yes...I'll explain that someday...soon).

Best to be grateful. Always.