Reasons to be grateful, part 4

This year has been a bit tricky, such that I considered skipping over my (now regular) Thanksgiving post as a result. But the reason I decided it was important to continue with it forms the first item on my list….

1. During a casual conversation with a coach friend, upon hearing things were tricky, she asked me to name 5 things I’m currently grateful for. After I made a face, she responded: if that’s a struggle, then give me 10 things. Despite initially feeling grumpy, there’s no doubt she’s one smart woman.
   
2. My new Osteopath. She’s quite the formidable woman, but also remarkably intuitive, and – I suspect – a healer. However she does it, I feel hugely better after our sessions.
   
3. Hugs from Himself. It is my practice to greet him when he gets back from work with a hug. But, in the past few months when I’ve had especially difficult days (and/or weeks), he’s put extra into those hugs, such that I feel both supported, empathised with and understood.
   
4. That I can set my intention for the next day before I go to sleep at night. For example, that I will sleep well, wake refreshed and energised, be focused and productive during the upcoming day. I’ll admit I had my doubts before I first tried it, but whenever I remember to do it, it works without fail.
   
5. For the cumulative effect of working with a number of wonderful counsellors and coaches over the years, such that when I came to a realisation early this year over why my relationship with my mother has become so difficult, I’ve had the resilience to manage the recovery process knowing that I will come out the other side rather than be broken by the knowledge.
   
6. The smell and taste of Lapsang Souchong tea which brings back wonderful memories of my father’s best friend, my guardian during my boarding school years, and the woman who taught me how to be independent, because she knew my mother wouldn’t (her words, not mine). A wonderful and wise woman.
   
7. The continuing friendship of my good friend (and parent to my god-dog) who has been patient and constant while I’ve been on my recovery process, despite having struggles of her own.
   
8. The fold-up walking stick my lovely neighbour bought me so I can pop it into my bag and whip it out if my knee unexpectedly plays up. It’s also decorated with a rather pretty floral pattern.
   
9. The Rose facial oil which my daughter gifted me. Despite my fears it would cause an oil slick and associated breakouts, it simply provides moisture to my parched skin, plumping it up so I no longer look like a shrivelled old lady. Hurrah for another wonderfully wise woman.
   
10. That my sister now graciously runs interference between my mother and myself, understanding that I’m completely drained and needed to get off that particular merry-go-round. Now I can have conversations with my mother and not end up with a lengthy to do list. A massive relief.
    
11. I have fallen back in love with sunflowers this summer. I’m not a fan of the colour yellow, but they have brightened up the mixed weather of our summer, and have lasted well even during those periods of high temperatures.
    
12. My Moroccan mint tea, which is actually a green tea with mint flavouring. As I do not like the taste of green tea, this is an ideal way to get the benefits without the yucky taste. I discovered this quite by chance when I noticed drinking my new mint tea seemed to have a calming effect on both my emotions and digestion…. only to read the label properly 🙂
    
13. For my marvellously stylish friend who suggested I think about highlighting body areas I like (an unexpected suggestion being hands and nails) rather than focusing on hiding the less attractive ones. This led to the positively splendid idea that I can reasonably indulge myself in many pairs of colourful wrist warmers/fingerless gloves, which will turn around my annoyance with the preponderance of clothing with 3/4 length sleeves, by both keeping me warm and adding pops of colour to my all black wardrobe. Naturally, they will be cashmere…. 😉
    
14. That a dental pick is the perfect implement for deep cleaning my computer keyboard. Please don’t tell my dentist I said this….
    
15. That my favourite season is here. I love how autumn starts with cooler temperatures but also sunshine, that the leaves change colour and provide a visual feast for a photographer, that it’s the time of year when you can start to bring out the cosy fabrics for snuggling and comfort.
    
16. That I’ve successfully guided 2 of my day job clients through their upgrade projects without anything going wrong, and without completely losing my mind (even if the latter was a close thing).
    
17. That the next day job client with an upgrade project has delayed the start date (my mental health thanks them).
    
18. For my TBR list, which is filled with just enough wonderful options for my upcoming reading pleasure.
    
19. For the surgery early this year which now allows me to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. In particular that moment when I open my eyes first thing in the morning and can see everything in fine detail – something which hasn’t been possible for over 5 decades.
    
20. For the members of my business club who provide friendship, laughter, support, learning and encouragement.
    
21. That Himself still has the ability to make me laugh so hard I snort/struggle to breathe/am grateful I don’t have a full bladder.
    
22. The good bits about having the facility to work from home – I can work in peace and quiet or listen to music, I can make myself a hot drink and get up to stretch or walk about whenever I need to, I’m here for deliveries during the day, I can wear what I want, can multi-task and – best of all – I have absolutely no commute.
    
23. The seaside which continues to be my happy place.
    
24. Finally, the many blogs I read which make me think, nod along to, entertain and amuse me, but especially the fact that you good people turn up to read and comment on my little blog.

Happy thanksgiving to those of you celebrating it. What are you grateful for today – whether big or small?

© Debs Carey, 2024