I found this image via my new favourite obsession Pinterest and immediately fell in love with this quote.  Since the New Year started I have been determined to have a positive outlook on life.  Not that I didn't before, but sometimes last year I allowed myself to feel down about silly things such as money or going back to work after maternity leave.  2011 was an amazing year and I want 2012 to be just as good- the only thing that made it slightly stressful was the fact that Mr E's job isn't as stable as it could be and he has had to take a paycut.  That coupled with the fact that I am now part time has meant that money has been tight.  

I think that sometimes we all fall victim to thinking the 'grass is greener on the other side.'  I look at friends who may have more disposable income than us but then these friends are living in London and don't own a house and aren't contributing to their future by owning a mortgage.  Or I will look at a friend who doesn't work but then realise that in order for her not to work her husband works every hour under the sun and she doesn't see him, and when she does he leaves her to get on with the baby and doesn't help at all.  

What I am trying to say is that, although it is only natural to sometimes envy what other people have got, we need to take a look at what we ourselves have, and this quote sums that up for me.

I have a wonderful husband who is so loving and caring- he is so hands on with Mads and does so much for us, including getting her completely ready in the morning, cooking most nights and getting her ready for bed.  He loves us with all his heart and I couldn't ask for a more romantic and sweet man, and Mads most certainly couldn't ask for a better Daddy.

I have the most incredible daughter in the world who completes our family.  She is cheeky, funny, sweet, affectionate and loving.  She has been an angel baby, bar from the odd temper tantrum and has slept through the night from six weeks old.  She smothers us in kisses when she wakes up in the morning and has the most cheekily addictive personality.  Watching her learn and grow is truly a joy and I am so proud to be her Mummy.

I have a close family who I adore.  I love them with all my heart and they have done so much for us, and continue to do so.  

I have great friends who although I don't get to see us much as I would like as most of them live away from me, I know that they would be there for me if I needed them.  When we get together it is just like the old days.  I have met new friends through having Mads that I know will be friends for life.  

I have found a hobby in blogging that has ignited a passion in me that hasn't been fuelled for a long time- I love writing, I love improving and designing my blog and I love the community behind it.

I have a wonderful little home that we own and cherish- it has three bedrooms, a little garden and a whole lot of love.  I love improving it and decorating the rooms, it is a work in progress but we are getting there, it just needs a few finer details here and there.

I am fortunate to be able to work part time, in a job which I enjoy.  It isn't my ideal job but I like the work and the people I work with as well.  It has its perks and I know that I am very lucky to be able to have the option of being able to only work two and a half days a week.  I didn't think it would be the case when I started back at work after maternity leave but I actually really enjoy working and getting a bit of break and some me time.

This quote really resonates with me because I wholeheartedly agree with what it is saying.  Although we all occasionally think the grass may be greener on the other side, our lives are in our hands and it is up to us to make them what they are- after all you only get one chance.  So what if we can't afford to go out for dinner a lot like we used too or buy many clothes?  If you look above at what we have got you realise the important things.

 I truly believe 2012 is going to be our year, as if you are determined I believe you can achieve anything.  And as long as we have got each other, that is all that counts.