shadows and light

 
So, as you all know quite well, we've been under-going a period of intense adjustment, lifestyle-wise, at our house.  Admittedly, it was long overdue, although we never lived an "indulged" life, by any means.  The changes have been tough, and sometimes painful, but almost universally good.  Still, I spent the middle of the night thinking about things to discuss with the girls, playing a game of "we don't have..., but we DO have..."  An amplified banner, of sorts.  (Hopefully, it sounds more positive than desperate...)

Would you care to play along?  (In the mood for some fresh desperation!?  You're in luck!)  Here we go:

We don't have expensive vacations to far-off locales, but we DO have...

...abundant sunshine right here, and clean windows to see it through.

***

We don't have bright, shiny new books from the bookstore, but we DO have...

...a fantastic public library in our town that once was virtually igonored, and lots and lots of books right here at home.

***

We don't have sugar-y treats and trips to the frozen yogurt shop, but we DO have...

...plenty of good food to stay healthy on.  (We eat so much better now that we are strapped for cash, it's amazing.)

***

We don't have brand new clothes, but we DO have...

...strong, healthy bodies that are warm and cozy and loved.

***

We don't have fancy new toys, but we DO have...

 
 ...lots of old favorites.

***

We don't have the money to go to the movies, or even to rent the latest DVD, but we DO have...

...pretty great imaginations, and lots to keep them going.

***

We don't have a guarantee that the rain in our lives will stop as soon as we would like, but we DO have...

... the comfort of the great, big...

 ...wonderful WORLD. 

Overall, with all this and plentiful hugs and kisses, I'd say we're doing just fine.

Cheers, sweet friends!

xoxox.
 

Comments

[Holly]

Right on, Amy!

[katiecrackernuts]

It looks pretty fine from where I sit.

[Paravent]

This is the most beautiful post. We all need to play this 'game' with our children if only to appreciate just how privileged we all really are. I hope the sun starts shining more through those beautiful windows. The most wonderful people I have in my life are the ones who've gone through some struggle or tragedy. Your post is so moving for me. It's not what happens to us but what we choose to do with it I think. Take good care :) K

[sunny]

*clapping* BRAVO, Amy.

Well said.

I'd live in your house ANY DAY, my friend.

:)

[Mindy]

Inspiring! Sometimes when I look back on my life the things I didn't have at certain times are those I'm most thankful for, if that makes sense. I guess I'm trying to say I am glad that I haven't always had everything I wanted. The not having it all did more to mold my character than I can explain. Looks like you know the true key to happiness: a grateful heart!

[Susan]

Oh, what you do have is sooo much more than what you don't: a grateful heart, as Mindy said, and most important of all, each other!

xox, sweet Amy!
Susan

[Amanda]

If you can't change your fate, change your attitude, right?! I just realized how powerful this really is. Empowering stuff!

[Julie]

Wow...Amy, I'm so glad to have given you the painting!! This is Blog therapy :-) Go Amy, Go!

[Sandra]

such true and lovely words. i have been talking to our son about being grateful lately as he has just started in on the "but such and such has such and such, why can't i get it?" i will play this gorgeous game with him tonight at bed time. thanks for the inspiration. we don't have enough kindness in this world but we do have Amy spreading the love and that's a great big start. xx

[Unni Strand]

And you do seem to live a much more eco friendly life with these last options!

I hope you will have a lovely weekend!

[Wendi Gratz]

We just got some pretty bad financial news that has us scrambling in an already-tough year and I've been fighting a sinking/desperate feeling for days. This is just what I needed. Your attitude is always so amazing! Thanks.

[Amy Hanson]

Unni, you are so right--that has been one of the many benefits to our lack of income. We have definitely discerned the difference between "want" and "need," and betweeen "boredom" and "lack of imagination" and between "trash" and "for heaven's sake, use that thing again!!!"

Thanks for all your sweet comments, girls. Wendi, do hang in there...We'll find the silver linings together, my friend.

xoxox.

[Erin C.]

What a great way to explain "scaling down" to your kids! Maybe it is a difficult transition at times, but in the long run I bet they'll remember the times they were resourceful and had fun with what they have, more than the times they got some new shiny thing.

[Fruitful Fusion]

What a beautiful beautiful post! Thank you. We always need to see the bigger picture.

[Kelly]

Everything that matters, you have the world of Amy. Lovely, lovely post. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. xoKelly

[Brooke Fish]

thank you for the reminder! I love this post. It is what I try to teach my kids everyday!

[betsy]

Amy, I'm playing catch-up here but this is such an inspiring post. I'm sorry you and your family are struggling right now. These are such difficult times. Attitude is so important, and while I know it can be draining to constantly be positive for yourself and your entire family, it makes such a difference. Perspective and gratitude are essential -- and you have both in spades. You are giving your girls such important, life-long gifts. Sending peace and hope and some good luck your way...xo

[Marianne]

Wow!
I just discoverd your blog. Its amasing. And this post felt like a gift. Thank you!
All the best from
Marianne in Norway