anyone feel as blessed as I do?

[Jeanne434]

I just want to remind all of my fellow cruisers to take a moment to appreciate how very blessed we are. I mean- this is such an over the top experience. Even if (gasp- God forbid) the cruise were never to leave port- how special is it to be so excited about our lives. So few people in the world know the security of having every day needs met- to be able to look forward and prepare excitedly for such luxury is a blessing.
Many people- probably including most of the people who will serve us- Come from lands of struggle and need. We in turn are blessed with plenty, and then some.
So many are separated from thier loved ones- through circumstance or personality , death or design, world events or family partings. We are creating life time memories with our loved ones that will warm our hearts for the rest of our days. No matter how things go- we will always remember these days. How blessed is this?
The fact that we are going on this adventure means that someone feels we are special enough to share such an experience with. being loved is the greatest blessing (and we do love you too Auntie Bon.)
It means that we have had the good fortune , talents or were able to work hard enough to be able to afford such a magical vacation. For most of us it is a combination of all these blessings just happening to fall into place at the right time that makes this trip possible.
Okay, so now that I am crying, I just want to remind each of you to count your many blessings, name them one by one. Do not take them for granted, by recognizing each of them as blessings you increase their value. As you recognize them for the wonder that they are, they will grow.
Enjoy these days. Know peace in each night and joy in each day.
I'm off the soap box now!
PS- I AM GOING ON A DISNEY CRUISE WITH MY FAMILY_in about two weeks!!!! WOOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!

 

[Michelle]

Very well said, Jeanne.

With a positive attitude like yours I KNOW you will have a magical cruise!

 

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by Jeanne434
I just want to remind all of my fellow cruisers to take a moment to appreciate how very blessed we are. I mean- this is such an over the top experience. Even if (gasp- God forbid) the cruise were never to leave port- how special is it to be so excited about our lives. So few people in the world know the security of having every day needs met- to be able to look forward and prepare excitedly for such luxury is a blessing.
Many people- probably including most of the people who will serve us- Come from lands of struggle and need. We in turn are blessed with plenty, and then some.
So many are separated from thier loved ones- through circumstance or personality , death or design, world events or family partings. We are creating life time memories with our loved ones that will warm our hearts for the rest of our days. No matter how things go- we will always remember these days. How blessed is this?
The fact that we are going on this adventure means that someone feels we are special enough to share such an experience with. being loved is the greatest blessing (and we do love you too Auntie Bon.)
It means that we have had the good fortune , talents or were able to work hard enough to be able to afford such a magical vacation. For most of us it is a combination of all these blessings just happening to fall into place at the right time that makes this trip possible.
Okay, so now that I am crying, I just want to remind each of you to count your many blessings, name them one by one. Do not take them for granted, by recognizing each of them as blessings you increase their value. As you recognize them for the wonder that they are, they will grow.
Enjoy these days. Know peace in each night and joy in each day.
I'm off the soap box now!
PS- I AM GOING ON A DISNEY CRUISE WITH MY FAMILY_in about two weeks!!!! WOOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!

Jeanne,

I truly know what you are saying. My mom stopped over last night and we were talking about this very thing. You said it perfectly!!! I know my family and I feel truly blessed, not only being able to take nice vacations as a family, but also, the ability of meeting so many nice DIS'ers on these boards, and making lasting friendships!!!

Andy

P.S. BTW, I'll let you know when the tape arrives. I'm hoping it arrives in today's mail, I have off today for Good Friday and have nothing planned to do today but have a day of rest.

 

[WDWLVR]

Jeanne,

You are right - we are blessed. Be it a cruise, a trip to WDW, or even just a day trip to do something fun. These are all things that many, many people don't get to do.

That's why I try to enjoy every cruise and vacation to the fullest. That doesn't mean having to do everything the cruise has to offer - just to enjoy my time. If that means that I want to take an afternoon nap while everyone else is doing bingo so be it.

I hope you have a wonderful cruise with your family.

We leave for ours in just 3 weeks!

 

[pal2pluto]

I agree w/you Joanne.........

Even though we don't have another cruise planned, we were incredibly blessed to take a 7 day in Jan. 2002, and imagine our surprise on the last night to receive the $99vouchers to use in the fall. The vacation I thought would be a "once in a lifetime" became more than that.

I keep coming back to these boards to live vicariously through other cruisers!

 

[AnnMorin]

I certainly feel blessed, I have a wonderful husband, a fantastic son, and a comfortable life... If you think of it we all obviously have computers which is something that I take for granted- what they cost (we actually have three) could feed a poverty stricken family for a month!

Imgoingtodisney I am sorry you don't feel you are blessed... I am sure many many people in the world would love to trade places with any one of us!
**added this after reading it again....
IMGTD-You know I counted eight disney related trips on your signature. MANY MANY people would be unbelievably gratefull and feel so blessed to go to Disney even ONCE. (friends of my son have never been and in all likelyhood never will go- they survive week to week no friviolous vacations for them) Then again MANY MANY people would feel blessed and gratefull to just have a warm bed tonight... wow I sure don't see how you can not possibly feel blessed.

Going to hug my family a little more tonight to let them know how much I love them and appreciate them! Happy Easter everyone!

 

[Incharge]

JEANNE,
Thank you for the beautiful post. I couldn't have said it better. We must always count our blessings. If we are mindful of the many blessings bestowed on us, we will not allow ourselves to "sweat the little things." Everyone have a Happy Easter!

 

[PeachyK]

Jeanne,

Thank you for the lovely thought. It's always a good idea to reflect on the things we can be happy about instead of what we can not control.

I can't wait to meet everyone, two weeks away I can hardly contain myself !!!!!!!!


I am having my entire family over for Easter (25-30 people)
I don't have a whole lot done yet and I'm not stressing because I just keep thinking...two more weeks!

 

[Hygiene99]

Can we help Her ????
I know that we r very lucky to do these extra thing in our life
and we have a family of 5 children Nieces and Nephews
who r beng brought up in a single parent home mom checked of life of her own choosing so it is just dad... who live in a 3 family in LYNN, MA
I look at them and Say thank god.....
So we try to include one of them in our trips as well ,when we can,
We have a trip to the world planned for May ,and we do it as a surprise so on the morning of the trip we will pick up Andrew
who thinks he is going to the dental office to Have JEN clean his teeth and take him to airport, even went to different airport
as to addd to the surprise.... we started doing this last year it and one out the 5 has been on a surprise trip ......
but it sure is fun ...... they all want to be the next to go ....
but we decide, who should go next.... tell the kids We pick name from hat..... lol so they all want to be next to be picked from hat..... WE r just lucky Peter



IM Going To Disney ..........

 

[Michelemouse]

I most definitely feel blessed. But then again, I choose to focus on the positive, as it seems most of you do. Life is just too short not to, IMO.

I have a great husband, two healthy, happy kids and a home. Both my husband and I still have both of our parents and I still have my maternal grandmother.

Sure, life sometimes throws lemons our way, but the lemonade we make from them tastes so sweet!

 

[WDWLVR]

Michele,

You are so right. It is all about looking at things with a positive point of view.

I'm so happy seeing that many feel that way and even do things like Peter to make others happy.

As to those who don't feel blessed - sad to say but some people just prefer to live life in the negative and there is nothing we can do about it. If they don't choose to see how blessed they are they are the ones losing out.

As for me - I have a wonderful husband, we live in a nice modest home, I have a decent job (though I worry that layoffs are coming), we have DVC which means years and years of Disney vacations, and we leave for our 7 day cruise in 3 weeks! Life is good!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Yes!!! I do feel blessed!!!

I have a wonderful husband, a beautiful and healthy child, and a once in a lifetime family vacation with our dear son (5) planned for our cruise!!! What else could anyone ask for! Do I feel lucky... no ( I do have my share of problems in life....) Do I feel priviledged... no (Most people have much much more than I do in most respects, and we are all created equal...) But, are we blessed? YES! YES! YES!!!!! I have been blessed with each of the things mentioned above. That is for sure. And, that is what is important!!!

Joy begins with Thankfulness!

 

[westjones]

Oh YES! I do feel so blessed!
Thank you for making me stop and think about it once more. It was a great way to start my day!
DJ

 

[mmouse37]

I am lucky enough to have a husband who truly cares about us and three wonderful teens who at times drive me nuts...but I step back and say..."what do you have to complain about", you live in a modest home, get to take many disney trips and cruises, have a happy, well adjusted family...I smack myself sometimes when I think something is going wrong, or unfair!!! We are here to live life and should make the most of it...not complain that things are unfair. When I think of people in other parts of the world and even here in the U.S. who do not have a warm bed or meal I snap out of it and realize how blessed I am.

I truly am blessed with having extended family and friends as well...including my DIS friends!!! I lost my full-time job recently due to downsizing and the thought of two kids in college on one salary is scary...but I am not going to moan...I will enjoy the summer with my family and find another job in time....It's all good!!!

http://community.webshots.com/photo/48196942/48728383IIyrEs



MJ

 

[rae519]

I don't believe that you are saying this!!!! You really can't be serious about not feeling blessed ("lucky") in your life!!! It's only when people are in a serious depression that they start to feel this way and that might be what's going on here.

Please try to focus on the fact that you are alive and have your health! You have a child, a son who is also alive and healthy and a spouse; plus food, clothing, shelter and the financial ability to have luxuries that others can't even dream of!!!


And if that doesn't make your feel blessed, then you should consider depression as a viable cause for your feelings. I know because I was seriously depressed after my only daughter died in 1994. Then my Dad passed in 1998 and in 2000, my best friend passed.

Yet, I AMl blessed that they were in my lives and blessed for all the family and friends I have now!

Work through this because it's not healthy,

Rae

 

[lbgraves]

That's a great way to evaluate our lives. I would be blessed even if we weren't planning this trip. I have gone 36 years without experiencing Disney and have done alright but of course this is going to be a wonderful experience for all of us. Even though life isn't always easy, I am glad that I have DH, DS, & DD to share it with...even if I am upset with DS & DD for acting...like kids. LOL! That can get so frustrating!

 

[rae519]

lbgraves - I like the way you said that "upset with DS & DD for acting...like kids"!!!

Yes, I remember when Kayla and Christopher were young and how loud and rowdy how it was!!!!! I worked hard to remember that then but there were times when I would get very "frustrated" and tell them to "be quiet" - then suddenly she passed away, and the house was quiet....and empty...and lonely!

So now with Michael - well, he's definitely a "kid" and all boy - thank God! And when he's loud and rowdy, I think to myself - he's alive and he's here and that's my blessing!

We just don't know what blesssings we are given until they are gone, and then....it's too late!

Thanks for putting that down - it really is a blessing in disguise!

Rae

 

[nativetxn]

I love this thread. I love happy threads that make me think about how lucky I am.

My only child is eductated, grown up and moved away and he <i>has a job</i>! Isn't that wonderful?

I don't live in an active war zone...I think that is so <b>great</b>!

I have three trips to Disney planned this year, I would rather have four trips but some people have NO trips. I feel pretty lucky about that.

I'm so blessed that I've never gone hungry in my life. Not one day, <i>never</i>. There are people all over the world who can't say that. I've been <i>so</i> blessed with food that I am overweight. Blessing or curse, you tell me

Let me tell you how blessed I feel that not only was I born in the USA but I was born in <b>Texas</b>. That is a blessing to me.

I come to the DIS everyday and what a blessing <i>that</i> has been for me. Sure I'm addicted but I don't want to be cured. The DIS makes me smile everyday. Oh sure, some times it makes me roll my eyes, too, but mostly I smile.

My husband has improved his health so much since the new year. He was a heart attack waiting to happen (again). He changed his eating plan to controlled carbohydrates and his health has improved 100%. He feels good for the first time in decades, what a blessing. He will be with me here on earth a little longer now.

My mother had her stomach removed because of stomach cancer and the cancer has not spread. That is one of our biggest blessings of all.

I don't have another cruise planned, wish I did. But I was truly blessed with a wonderful cruise with a dear friend last September and I'm still basking in the blessing of that. My memories make me smile everyday.

I try hard to find the positive in any situation because I grew up with a grandmother who was the most miserable person in the world. When she was two years old, her mother died. She had no memory of her mother, but she knew that she had missed out on something really terrific. She never let that go. She lived to be 98 years old and every day of her life she brought that subject up at least once a day. "Poor little me, I ain't got no momma." No one could stand to be around her. She made everyone else so miserable. It's hard to be around someone like that. Life is too short why hang around with someone so negative.

I was a young adult before I realized what her problem really was, she was so self oriented that she <i>wanted</i> to hang on to pain and sadness, for some reason it made her feel important. While it made the people who loved her not want to be around her at all. I made up my mind right then that I was going to find and keep the happy things in life and forget about all of the sad and hurtful things that I had experienced as a child and teenager. Terrible things, really. Things I don't think should be shared on a Disney board. I decided to let that pain go because why should I hold it so close to me and keep suffering the heartache everyday? It was <b>over</b>. I knew I couldn't change the past so I decided to just concentrate on each day, one day at a time.

I made this decision because I realized that I was developing her same pessimistic and negative attitude. I sure didn't want the people I loved avoiding me. So, I decided to look for the silver lining in everything. I always find it, too. It's there, you know, all you have to do is be open to it, look for it, be willing to accept it.

Have a great day you lucky cruise planning people. I'm off to try to convince my Disney impaired husband that taking a Disney cruise with me would be fun and <b>magical</b>. I hope you find lots of things that make you smile today.

<b>Jeanne434</b> Thank you for posting this. I needed a reminder of how blessed my life has been. This post has been a blessing in itself. I'm smiling now.

Katholyn

 

[lbgraves]

Rae - I am just starting to try to remember that. I feel so guilty getting upset with them all day...it's too stressful. A friend recommended the book "She's Gonna Blow" to me & I have been racing thru that to find the solutions to handling them. That is the one thing that the writter says that has really hit me....that we get upset with kids for being kids. Five minutes ago they were fighting, yelling, & throwing things at each other. Fact is a 4 1/2 yo & a 2 1/2 who thinks she is 4 1/2 are going to act like that sometimes...well alot. I want to be able to tune it out & focus on the good things...like the fact that they are healthy & relatively happy now. I also do not want them to have to grow up dealing with the feelings & things that I did.

I just talked to my sister last night and it made me want to appreciate the kids even more. Her DD is ADHD & bipolar. She is only in 2nd grade & has basically been kicked out of school to be sent to a regional special school. My sister is also bipolar & manic depressive. Then there are my inlaws who are so...well, the way they are...that we can't even tell them we are going on the cruise. They still don't know that we went on a honeymoon. They are just going to have to get over themselves though since the kids are already talking about going on Mickey's boat. No way am I going to confuse them by making them stop saying anything...AS IF I could. LOL!

Life is too short. I want to count my blessings everyday...especially with the world the way it is now.

 

[bettemom]

Jeanne..

What a lovely,lovely post !!! And yes,of course I feel blessed ...after all,I woke up this mornig,and that's a GREAT begginning...
Bette