I'm done. This week is nearly over (work-wise), and thus, Turkey celebrations can begin with family, friends, pets, and so on. The school semester is now a couple weeks away from its end too; although, don't let me ever fool you that I dislike being back in school. I am reminded often on the drive home after lectures (like the one last night) that I am finally en route to what will be fulfilling for me professionally. We hear as we age compliments of our skills or personality characteristics that others observe, and then apply to jobs they believe we would do well in: counseling (check), nursing, teaching, rehab, etc. For me, the human services field has always resided within me, but I couldn't tap its energy until going back to school. I couldn't make it my own reality until I realized I was the one who needed to be proactive and make the reality possible. Spending time babysitting throughout childhood, teaching preschool and toddlers, or taking on an RA position in college allowed me to exercise the skills I think benefit counselors today - including mass communication techniques with various personalities - but I never realized the personal benefit in exercising these skills professionally until I met my husband, who is someone that sought a mate who works alongside him in the relationship and in the workforce. Mike shares with me his desire to build up with another the intellectual and financial base for our future family.
We are going to try and have a child in the next year or so, and for most who know me, this is a dream I knew would come to fruition because it was a reality I've wanted since I was young. Regardless of what others have ever said about my abilities to listen and empathize (making it now seem possible for me to counsel others), 'motherhood' was always an innate sense of belonging I felt within myself and the surrounding spirituality of what life offers. I feel grounded and empowered when I envision raising children, alongside a partner and husband who supports our life together emotionally and physcially. It is a truth I have yet to experience, but the only truth in my life of which I am 100% certain.
I am thankful for the time I've shared with Mike over the past 7 years, and it is my hope we continue to support each other individually, in our independent dreams and aspirations, because this embrace will continue to foster the unity of our future family. I am thankful for traveling up to New England for the holidays again this year - both Thanksgiving and Christmas - because our families' time in NH and ME are limited. I am thankful for my sisters who have their own supporters in life, encouraging them to be the best versions of themselves and for my sisters to be secure enough in doing the same towards their partners. I am thankful for the lessons I am learning by growing up and growing outwardly through other philosophies. I am thankful for the "everydays" that remind me of the special people I get to see all the time. PA is becoming more and more of a home, rather than just an interim; and I am grateful for feeling rooted in our journey as we carry on.
What are you thankful for?
