Ten Years Ago vs. Now

In high school I was editor of the yearbook, involved in numerous clubs and for a few years even, (gasp) a cheerleader. Needless to say, I would have been described as outgoing. I met my and became engaged to my husband during my senior year. Although I graduated with honors and could have gone to any college, love won out over education and the most important thing to me was being with him. So, a week after graduation I got a job, we got an apartment and I was the happiest girl in the world. He was my sun, moon and stars. All of my time and attention was devoted to him. One by one I lost touch with friends. There just didn't seem to be enough time for everything. If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't change it.
Somewhere along the way after having a child, a mortgage, and all the little things life throws in the way, I didn't have time for my husband to be the center of my universe anymore. A grown man can feed and dress himself - a small child can't. The small child will win the attention every time. More understanding on his part and more effort to pay attention to my hubby on my part probably would have helped, but I've got to say, I didn't see this coming.
Oh well, can't change it now. But I can try to reclaim my former self. I have made the choice to appreciate what I do have. I'm trying to pass that attitude on to my seven year old (that's going to be a work in progress for a long time). Instead of dwelling on the fact that my husband never finished fixing up the house before "abandoning ship," I'm appreciating the fact that I have a house. Instead of complaining that the driver's side window of my car doesn't work, I'm grateful that I have a car. Yes, I will spread my "look for the silver lining" outlook on life as long as I have large amounts of chocolate on hand.
Happiness is my choice...as long as hormones or a lack of chocolate don't interfere with that choice.