What do you have to smile about today?

This life we live is crazy, and I'm slowly learning it just isn't going to slow down. Lately, I've learned I'm OK with that.

When I was growing up, I remember being so excited to grow up and get out on my own. I was ready to make my own rules, go to bed whenever I felt like it and find a career I loved.

So far, I've stuck to the same general rules I was taught as a child because consistency keeps me sane.

The dreams of staying up all night just because I could? Those nights weren't fun when I was forced to do so to stay caught up on my mathematics classes and writing assignments in college.

Now, even though friends my age tease me, I'm not even ashamed to announce my 9 p.m. bedtime. I'm pretty sure I stayed up later in high school.

The best part is I am completely content in my life right now. I am surrounded by the most incredible people.

My entire family is supportive as I try to find where I fit in. My dad is infamous for his joking personality, but he keeps us all on our toes. My mom is always on standby with medicine and love when I need her most. My sister is by my side as I make decisions to set the path for a successful future.

My grandparents are always nearby when I need words of encouragement. There are times when life gets frustrating, and they are always reminding me the rough patch will soon be over.

I'm working two jobs right now in order to stay on my feet, and it's encouraging when people tell me they respect my ability to work so hard.

I had a customer tell me the other day she admired my work ethic. It's always nice to get the reassurance when you are questioning decisions yourself.

My co-workers are the nicest and most understanding people I've ever met. They cheer me on when I get frustrated, and cheer with me when things seem to be going right for a change.

Most importantly, in my career I get to meet some of the nicest people in Greene County.

Last week, I had the privilege of sitting down with two veterans, Raymond and Houston Thomas. They told me about their time in the Army, and reflected on some of the stories from a very different time.

Houston taught me more about the Korean War in an hour than I'd ever learn in a classroom, and I gained a new respect for those service members who had to travel by the thousands overseas to get to their destination.

All too often I let the negativity take over, and I forget to look at all the positive aspects of my life. I sometimes stress when I am working seven days a week, but I have to remind myself it's worth it to be able to stand on my own two feet.

I may not have the money to go buy the latest trends like most 20-something women prefer, but I have a roof over my head, heat in my home and a car to get me from point A to point B.

What do you have to smile about today?

Sabrina is a staff writer for the Greene County Daily World. She can be reached by email at swestfall@gcdailyworld.com or by telephone at 847-4487.