Grateful.
Ever since I was little, I’ve made lists. I love a good list, they’re dependable, solid and there is real satisfaction in crossing something off. They challenge you, make you stronger, and keep you organised. (Am I thinking too much into my list love?) Anyway… Since I was about 10, I’ve been making mental lists whenever I feel sad, or scared or overwhelmed. This list I always name the exact same thing;
The ten things I’m most grateful for..
One: My Family.
I couldn't imagine a world without my family. I’m the oldest of 3 kids, and without my brother and sister it would have been a boring childhood. We are a stupidly close knit family unit. I don’t have a big extended family, so it’s the five of us, plus my grandparents and two uncles. Thats basically it. In total my whole family is 12 people, including cousins! I think this is why we’re so close (and completely crazy!), because we only have a small amount of people to be close and crazy with!
Two: Richard.
I know it’s weird putting your boyfriend on the thankful list, but it wouldn’t be truthful if he wasn’t on it. He has built me up so much in the last two years, he’s literally the most amazing person I’ve ever met. He LOVES me. I never ever doubt that he loves me, that he wants me, that he wants to spend time with me and I completely love him back. I love him so much, and I am so lucky to have a man who is so completely amazing. He makes me smile and laugh, and if he’s pissed off its nothing to do with me. I have no blame (most of the time!) I don’t make him angry or mad, and it’s just such a bloody amazing feeling. I am so grateful and lucky to have him in my life. I would be lost without him.
Three: Safe water.
This may sound like a weird one, and I’m terrible at drinking water (ask anyone who knows me, my water intake is barely a cup a day!) but I’m so grateful that I live somewhere where the water is safe to drink and to wash in. It’s something I think I take for granted, and I really need to drink more of!!!!
Four: Safe food.
I’m a girl who LOVES her food. I’ve always loved my food, it’s basically the way to my heart, other than a killer sarcastic sense of humour… But yes, I love food. I’m so so lucky to have people who cook me amazing food, safe food to eat, easily sourced food and so many amazing places in london to go eat incredible meals. I have such a big appetite, and I can’t wait to try all that london has to offer, hopefully without gaining 100 pounds!
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Five: A safe place to live.
This hasn’t always been on my list, and at times I haven’t felt completely safe where I live, but happily its back on the list now I live with Richard! I’m the first to admit I’m not great on my own (going to blame it on coming from a tiny family where there is always someone around!) so I really love being able to feel safe when I’m in my flat alone. It takes me awhile to feel comfortable, especially when we just moved in here, but I’m getting better at occupying myself. I’m very happy and lucky to live somewhere where I feel comfortable and safe.
Six: Friends.
This shouldn’t come so low on the list, but it has apparently, this list is rarely in actual order, it’s just what I feel most grateful for at the time I need to write it. Anyway, my friends, my best friends I’ve had for most of my life, and I do love them, one completely drives me up the wall, but I still love her. We have got through so much together, and I know if I need them, all I have to do is text or call, and they’ll be there with wine and olives. I sometimes forget how lucky I am to have them, and I really really do appreciate everything they have put up with and got me through. I know they always have my best interests at hearts and they love me as much as I love them.
Seven: Heating/Hotwater.
I’m putting these in the same number as we have a heater that warms up both (definitely not cheating!). This is probably a rather selfish thing to feel grateful for, but it is generally always on my list. I love a hot shower, it’s something that wakes me up, calms me down, relaxes me, clears my head...etc the list is endless! Having a shower is probably my type of meditation and I’m completely grateful for the time I can get lost in my own thoughts. It’s a different feeling with the heating, but no one wants to wear 100’s of coats inside, and I’m very grateful to be able to have the heating on when we need it, especially in the UK, we need it more than you think!
Eight: My Job.
I’ve been extremely lucky to land the job I have. I’m a packaging designer, and I work for a company that I love. I love my job and I know I’m really really lucky to have a job that I look forward to going to. Leaving uni I was fully prepared to be in a job I hated for awhile until I could find something that suited me, which to be honest I did do for awhile with internships, but I could of gone on for a lot longer! I was very lucky to get a chance at my job, to get an internship to be asked to stay on. I love every minute of it, and aim to work my way up! Lots of ambitions!
Nine: My health. (And my family/richard’s health!)
Another maybe slightly boring one, but very important to me. I know how fickle your health can be, one minute you can be fine and then the next you can be very ill. Luckily for me, I’ve never been seriously ill, and hopefully wont ever be! (Touch wood!) I’ve had a few minor things, but nothing on what some people have had to put up with. It amazes me the fighting spirit of people. I’m very grateful for the life I’ve lived so far and for the good health of myself and my friends/family.
Ten: My Life.
This basically incoporates all the above, and a few other things, my love of london, autumn leaves, excitement at christmas, fish and chips, a brillant pub, my dogs...etc. All the thing I have the luxury to love and enjoy in my life. I try not to take any of it for granted, but sometimes, I forget to appreciate the little things that make my life incredible. I am grateful for all of the above, and for being able to make this list in the first place. I have an amazing life, and I hope I cherish it and make the most of it.
Here’s to being a glass half full person.
