20 Things I am Grateful For

I have never done a things I am grateful for post, and I think this is the perfect time to do just that. To be quite honest, the past month or so has been really up and down for me. I’m sure some of my weepy moods have been due to pregnancy hormones, some of it is likely a direct cause of cabin fever as my area has essentially been in lockdown for six months, and some if it is just pure frustration because hey, we all have plenty to be frustrated about in life, especially this last year.

So I thought that perhaps it might be a good time to do a list sort of post and express gratitude. Sure, lots of things have been thrown out of whack with the pandemic, and it’s dragged on far longer than we thought it would, but there is a lot to be grateful for in our lives too. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we have so much to be grateful for. You might be grateful for some of the same things I am. Or, you might have completely different things to express gratitude for. Let me begin with my list, and then take out a sheet of paper, or your journal and make your own list.

What I am Grateful For

The Big Ones

Family. I am so grateful that I have my family. They have been with me from a distance, and we were able, together during some of the most special moments this last year, and the most difficult.

My pets. Honestly, they have provided a lot of support throughout the pandemic. They entertain me with their antics and caring for them allows me to be in the moment.

My pregnancy. I’m in month seven, and baby is due in August. It’s been an easy pregnancy, and I am so grateful that we were able to get pregnant as I am older. I’m also so lucky that I have an amazing team of specialists to care for me during this pregnancy.

My health. I have fairly good health, but I also have a rare genetic condition and I’m so grateful that I have the care I do for this disorder, especially during my pregnancy.

These are the four big things that I am grateful for in life. And these kinds of blessings are often overlooked, so they deserved acknowledgement.

The Not So Big Ones

An early spring. Spring started in March this year, and usually in March and even April, we still have snow and cold days. I am so grateful we have had warm days, budding trees and bird song much earlier this year.

Books. I have been a life long reader, an avid reader too, and I cannot imagine my life without my books. I’m grateful to those who wrote them, and grateful that I can afford to buy the books.

Related Post: Intriguing Books on My To Buy List

My daily cup of tea. Honestly, what would we do without little luxuries like tea? I’m so grateful for a few moments to take a deep breath and have a cuppa.

My bed. It’s my haven in a way. The place I go to rest, to cry, to snuggle.

The wind in the trees. There is nothing quite the rustling leaves in the wind, the swaying of the branches.

Sunsets. I am afforded a stunning view of the sunset each evening from my condo window, and it’s a moment to commune with the divine.

Shared laughter. If you have ever laughed with a friend, family member, significant other, you know how wonderful a feeling it is. I’m grateful for those moments.

The journey that is life. If you have ever noticed (and I’m sure you have) that life doesn’t go quite to plan, well I have too, and for this I am grateful. The journey life has brought me on has been unexpected, sometimes painful, seemingly unfair but I am grateful because it allowed me growth and made me into my authentic self.

Hugs. There is nothing quite like a hug from a person you love dearly. That feeling of safety and love…. I’m grateful for each embrace.

Birds. Not just my pet birds, but birds in general. There is something about birds that brings me peace and I am so grateful for birds. I can’t even express how much.

Snowy days. Ever just sat inside and watched big fluffy snowflakes tumble down? I love those days. Of course I am grateful for those cosy moments of peace.

Fall sunlight. There is something so romantic and inspiring about the sunlight in the autumn months. Fall itself is a season I’m grateful for, always elegant and lovely.

Ocean air. I don’t get to enjoy this much, living in a city no where near an ocean, but whenever I’m near the ocean, I just love it. The air is so much more alive and pure. I’m grateful I’ve been granted the chance to enjoy this in my life.

The colours of spring. Spring is so delightful and new, just like a newborn baby. Greens pop up from the brown earth, and so flowers are blooming every where. I’m grateful for this season of new life.

Sunshine in the summer. I think we all live for glorious, sunny summer days. I’m grateful for the sunshine and warmth and the happy feeling sunshine infuses me with.

Sparkling water. Guys, you have no idea how much I love sparkling water. I’m grateful for it. It’s silly maybe, but it’s a little thing I love.

Final Thoughts

We all have so much to be grateful for. Sure life is hard. We suffer from anxiety, from illness, we have to deal with stress and toxic jobs or people, difficult relationships with family, pressures from society to be a certain way or do certain things. And without realizing it the hectic pace of life, the responsibilities start building within in us feelings of resignation, of resentment. And it’s okay to feel angry or annoyed by the hurdles life throws you. It totally is. But when we step back and look at the big picture…there is so much to be grateful for. So many little things. And when you really think about those things, the problems and unhappy things in life seem to melt away. It’s easier to realize those things are temporary or can be improved. So expressing gratitude is super important for our overall well being. So take out that piece of paper or journal. Write down what you’re grateful for. You’ll feel tons better for it.

I love you all so much, I hope this post has inspired you or helped you in some way. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to subscribe to the newsletter for freebies and more.