grateful in 2011

A great response to my question "What are you most grateful for in 2011":

"I am most grateful for my new home that my husband and I purchased this past May 2011. It may seem materialistic, but in fact is represents a ton of hard work. Five years ago, during my last year of earning my bachelor's degree, I needed to complete a full time internship. My husband I decided to down size from our spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment in an amazing town to a small, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, much older/smaller apartment in a not as nice area. This way, we could live off of his salary and I could do my internship without having to work. After 1 year of that, I got my job, we decided to continue living off of 1 salary and pay off all our debts, several college credit cards, 2 cars, we both had over $50,000 in student loans, etc. Although we didnt pay off all of our student loans, we paid off all credit cards, cars, and had money in the bank. Wam! We got engaged and I started grad school. Determined not to go into any more debt because of school, we lived another 2 years off of one salary, the other paying for graduate school, our beautiful wedding and honeymoon. Although we never were poor, we struggled. We spent $50 per week on groceries, every bump in the road (car dies), seemed like a crisis, we never had guests over, got in a few fights about space, and made meals stretch quite a few days. Purchasing our home was such an amazing feeling. We worked so hard for 5 years as a couple, we sacrificed in order to accomplish the things we wanted, to make our dreams come true. At this point, we are thrilled, and the waiting, saving, and sacrifice have made this home taste so sweet!" -Stephanie

Thank you for the reminder that it's possible, Steph. You kept your intention clear and let your actions and sacrifices speak to how deeply you desired this outcome--I am so amazed with how you juggled so much.  With patience, trust and hard work you really made your dream come true!  And since I do know you personally, I have to add you did so with the love and light and kindness you radiate daily. This is a key element, in my humble opinion; to remain positive and loving even through rougher times.

Incredibly happy for (and proud of!) you both.

So, Grateful Lifers, are you fighting for what you most deeply desire? Forget the specifics of "how". Focus on what you want; set a clear intention. Then work daily, the best that you can in anyway that you can (be prepared to screw up, it's part of the process!), to ensure your actions align with this intention. Put yourself in check both mentally and physically--how can you make simple shifts to further your goals? Shift your thoughts, take small steps. And sometimes, be prepared to sacrifice. Rest assured that in doing so, the Universe has got your back.

Love and Light,

Trish