Friday Gratitude: The End of My Summer

Doesn’t this flower make you think of spring?

This summer, I didn’t have a set list of goals. I didn’t have a certain number of books I wanted to read, or movies to see (but we did see Man of Steel and Elysium), or specific activities to complete by August’s end. I am happy with all the pictures I took this summer, despite the fact that I still need to get my Canon G12 repaired. I caught up on ‘my shows’ (ha, I sound like my Grandma!): Parks and Recreation and True Blood, both perfect summer fare.

My one unofficial goal for this summer was to have fun and enjoy myself as much as possible before the start of my nursing program. I went to California in June, drove down to Long Island a few times and visited New York City once, attended lots of free events in the area, went to art shows and festivals and ate a lot of good food.

I also wanted to enjoy myself as much as possible because at the end of the spring semester I thought, This is my time. It’s my up time, my mostly-happy time of year, when I do my best to stockpile the laughter and fun and good cheer for the winter months.

Autumn has been spotted!

But let’s get to the positive from this week specifically, shall we?

Friday Gratitude!

 I’m grateful for all the donations to my nursing school fundraiser, receiving federal grant money, and getting accepted for medical insurance– all this summer! All of those things continue to help with various expenses, mainly school-related. Thank you thank you thank you!

I mentioned medical insurance. But in particular, I’m grateful for prescription drug coverage! I went to the pharmacy today to pick up my antidepressant refill and brought along my brand spankin’ new insurance card. Do you accept this? I asked, not realizing how nervous I felt until the words were out of my mouth. They accepted it. I babbled something about not remembering the last time I didn’t have to pay out-of-pocket for a prescription, widened my eyes at the lack of a co-pay, and bam, I had my medication. Free! Andy and I walked down the aisle about fifteen feet, and I stopped in my tracks and burst into tears.  He shushed my attempts to explain and just told me to be in the moment as he held me. Granted, I may be premenstrual and a tad emotional today, but oh my stars, how grateful am I? I have a card that allows me to get free medication to manage my depression. Another revelation!

Generosity begets generosity. I’m grateful for the opportunity to give to others, namely my sister. So many times, I’ve been sheltered, fed, supported and held by others when I was in need. As I reflect on all the receiving I’ve done in the recent past, I’m glad we were able to show my sister some hospitality last night and this morning. She was in the middle of driving up the whole East Coast, and who doesn’t need some family/homey time when they’re en route to a new apartment and new job? We all have something to give, whether we realize it or not: a hearty dinner, hugs, support, pillows, photos to go on an otherwise blank refrigerator, trail mix for that inevitable mid-morning hunger.

An abandoned farm in Pine Plains, NY

One last thing: I’m grateful for my fellow bloggers! I’d like to highlight two ladies in particular: Stevie of Joy in the Midst Of and Erika of Chimerikal. Stevie writes from the heart; each post of hers is beautiful. We found each other through SITS Girls and both struggle with depression, but luckily we have other, positive things in common, too 🙂 Erika is the one who inspired me to write my Reverse Bucket List, but she’s more than just amazing travel experiences: Erika writes about personal challenges, gratitude, and documenting growth and change. Check these inspiring women out!

What are you grateful for this week? Do you have any summer highlights you’d like to share?

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When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.     –Paul Coelho