This has been a trying week. There have been lots of changes where I work and the fighting season has kicked off. No kidding – the Taliban actually announce this stuff. And kick off we did. Monday was a day that will probably go on record as my longest and most stressful. I’ve dealt with other issues before and have had go-mode on for hours at a time. For some reason, Monday hit hard. There were multiple attacks across the country, targeting civilians, journalists, US forces, Afghan forces, Georgian forces and children. Yes, children. I can’t even comprehend this, yet the terrorists seem to think it’s fine.

I’ve always felt like an optimist, but it’s been difficult lately. I have been keeping a gratitude journal each day to help me remember to be thankful and optimistic. I only filled out half the days in April; I haven’t even set a page aside yet for May. I need to get back to it!

Here is my list of frustrations lately, followed by the gratitude I want to and feel I should express –

• We lost one US Soldier and two Afghan Soldiers on Monday and my heart aches for their loved ones
  • It could have been much more, with all the personnel injured as well. It appears all the injuries will heal, thank goodness. My team worked hard to provide support. My supervisor provided much needed guidance to me and made sure I was handling things well, with genuine concern.
• I couldn’t spend my one year anniversary with my husband
  • I have a loving husband who cares about me.
• I have so much stuff in my room to pack to get ready to head home and I don’t know where to start!
  • I have people that care about me and have sent amazing things. I have the money to buy things to entertain myself while I’m here. I can gift things to others, and maybe make a few dollars back on some items!
• I don’t have time to work out like I want and I’m not getting enough sleep.
  • My work ethic is strong and I’m helping my work team, including some newer personnel, get settled in to their roles since I will be leaving soon.
• My project I wanted to have completed by the time I arrive home is not on track
  • I have the vision and creativity to plan and execute this new idea I haven’t seen yet. I am thankful for my Grandma teaching me how to crochet. I am thankful for the opportunity when I’m off work to work on it and slow my day down.

I feel like it’s so easy every day to get frustrated and down as a natural reaction. It’s harder to see the good in things. I don’t always like to take the easy way though, so now I’m off to get my gratitude page for May started!

(My project that I spoke about is really, truly something I am super pumped about. I’ve been telling people I work with about it and even though it’s a crochet thing, the guys I work with seem to genuinely think it’s as awesome of an idea as I do! I can’t wait to share it with everyone – there will be an entire post dedicated to just this project. I can’t tell any more about it yet, because it is a surprise for my husband.)

Do you keep a gratitude journal? What are you most thankful for this week?