Finding Gratitude in the Summer that was a Bummer

As our summer "officially" comes to a close this weekend, I felt it was a good time to reflect on the past few months.



As you know,
I called this summer my "Bummer Summer".  Trying to rehab my Baylee, losing her, and then having to live the rest of the summer without her was absolutely heartbreaking!  I will never remember this summer as a "good" summer, however, I will be thankful for the good things that have happened among all the grief I was feeling.


1. Eppie- I believe Eppie dog came into our life at just the right time.  My parents acquired her the first week of June. She has given all of us a lot of joy this summer.



2. I did not plan on going on a vacation or going far from home this summer because I had a feeling that it was going to be my last summer with Baylee, ( and I was right), but after her passing I felt like I needed some time away.  I am thankful that I was able to go to QVC Beauty Bash, do our annual trip to Disney,  and that I was able to spend some time at the beach.



3. One of the things that I have been thankful for (and truly surprised at) all summer was that our swimming pool stayed crystal clear ALL SUMMER. This is the first summer that we did not have to spend a small fortune in chemicals.  I'm not sure if the weather had anything to do with that or if it was the sheer fact that we used the pool very little this year.  Baylee and I use to swim every day in the summer. This year it just wasn't the same.


4. Books - I am thankful for the time I had to just relax and read my books this summer. I am also thankful that I live near two wonderful libraries!



5. We bought a new boat and did a lot of boating this summer which was fun.


6. I am thankful that after a long running hiatus, my running legs still do work!  It has not been easy coming back to running after some time off and I admit the strength training still has not been happening, but I am up to 7 miles!


7. I am also thankful that my parents let me bring their dogs Belle and Eppie to my house often.  They usually keep me company on the weekends and it's nice to have a dog to cuddle with on a Friday night.

And too that I say "Let's welcome Fall". I am excited to see what this new seasons brings. -M

What where the Ups and Downs of your summer?






20 comments:

  1. I think you were smart to focus on gratitude this summer. Being grateful for all that remains is key (I believe) in coping with a tough situation or circumstance. That said, you still have to allow yourself time to mourn your loss before moving on...and it looks like you found a healthy balance. Hoping for a fantastic fall season for you ;-)

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    1. Thank you! I am hoping to find lots of activities to keep me busy this fall!

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  2. A great way to appreciate the little things in life. Even in tough times, there are always things to be thankful for. Have a great weekend

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    1. Yes, there is! It makes you even more thankful for the little things in life too!

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  3. Boating is great. And the beach!! Can't have a bad day there.

    So sad to lose a pet.

    Hope next summer is filled with only good memories.

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  4. This year, like many since I've here frankly (and that's 10 years!) was not great. Losing Giz. Being catless. Only being away for 5 short days the entire year with no plans to go anywhere in the near future. Being sick for much of the spring (including that short stay in the hospital & ambulance ride). The whole ongoing drama with my parents.

    However, I'm a firm believer that happiness is a choice, and most of the time I make that choice. Obviously becoming a yoga teacher (if basically in name only at the moment) was a highlight and the culmination of a long held dream. While we haven't traveled, we did a lot of fun day-trip type stuff this summer.

    Life is hard. That will never change. And sadly we need those hard parts to make us who we are. We always come through stronger in the end.

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    1. You are SO right! Happiness is a choice. I needed time to grieve but I CHOOSE to be happy!

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  5. It sounds like a really tough Summer but a lot of good things in there too. That's so great that you're able to have Belle and Eppie at your house a lot.

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    1. I do like the company, but since they don't "live" here everyday, I find myself saying "no" a lot....lol

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  6. I know it was such a hard summer for you friend. Breaks my heart to think of a world without sweet Bailey in it :( ... but can I say how much I love that you all have "Family dogs" - like you ALL get to invest in loving these fur babies. So cool!!!
    & hold up? A BOAT???? I didnt know that - how cool of a purchase is that!!!

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    1. Yes! I have been loving the boat! Hours of enjoyment right there!

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  7. It sounds like you did some gentle healing this summer; I'm glad you were able to do this after losing Baylee. I know that was incredibly hard.

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    1. I am actually proud of myself that I had the strength to get up and do ANYTHING, this summer. Sometimes you just have to keep moving forward, right?

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  8. Often it's hard to find those moments of gratitude amid loss, so I'm glad you could reflect and find some. Sending you some hugs!

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    1. Yes! Although it was a HUGE loss for me, I knew there were other things (if not little) that I needed to find joy in.

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  9. I'm glad you're doing better. You'll always miss Baylee.

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  10. I'm so sorry for your loss. :[ Losing a beloved pet is never ever easy. I'm really glad that you were able to find some positive points in your summer though!

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    1. Thank you Farrah! I guess you'll always find something positive if you look hard enough!

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