It can be really REALLY hard to feel thankful sometimes. Especially times when you may be experiencing difficulties, challenges and stressful situations. I feel in the mix of several of them at the moment for some reason or other and have felt thankful for nothing, allowing other concerns and worries to envelope and mask the things that matter.
When your in the mist of anxiety, it can be impossible to see anything positive about how you may be feeling. What’s there to feel positive about? How can I feel positive? Why should I feel thankful?
Sometimes, experiencing something that’s not all fine and dandy can actually make me realise what I’m thankful for and how much I appreciate the little things – it just takes a little time (and that’s ok!) For instance, everyday we can plod along in life, not really appreciating the little things, which is ok as it would be exhausting if we did! But, as soon as something creeps into your life, however big or small, that changes up your ‘normality’, all of a sudden we can wish for things to be back to how they were.
For example, when you become unwell and you forget what it feels like to go about your normal daily routine whilst your knee deep in tissues and feeling absolutely rotten. On a average day, you naturally take for grated your ‘normality’.
Something breaks, which you rely on daily. You look back and think, Wow how easy was life before this happened and I took it for grated!
So, with all that being said, I wanted to share what I am so thankful for in my life right now.
First and foremost, without a doubt I am so thankful for my loving family. It’s so easy to not appreciate each other on a daily basis, and more recently I have been so thankful for my support network and the people who I love the most. I am so lucky to have a husband who is so supportive and is the calm to my storm, my listening ear and the strong willed person he is…I am so thankful.
For my children, keeping me sane (or insane!) on a daily basis, making me feel needed and loved. Having three kids is a challenge and some days may be harder than others without a doubt. But, times when my little 2 year old son shouts ‘love you mommy’ after I put him to bed makes the long tiring day worth while.
For my parents who show their love to me in many ways. A simple telephone call to check up on how I am turns in to multiple chats with both of them to ensure I am ok and the offers of advice on managing tricky thoughts and feelings. For the evenings my Mom helps out with the kids after a long days work, and the encouraging words that I am worth it…I am so thankful.
One thing I am most truly thankful for is our health. I can experience rather a lot of health anxiety which I understand stems from losing J. I am extremely fearful when the kids fall ill and my mind already jumps right ahead thinking the immediate worst. I can panic (and it shows) and I can get myself into a bit of a tizz.
Thankfully, we all have our health and whilst I have been a long term sufferer of headaches, I am currently managing this well with long term medication – FINALLY!
There was a stage when I would constantly feel like I needed to change, improve or even want to move house. Why?! I love my home so much! No matter how big or small, it’s a place where my family unite, play, talk, share laughter and relax. We’ve spent 7 years in our home now and it’s a place that I feel finally content in. I’ve always felt the need to spend my free time on Rightmove, check out what we could move on to next. Which is fun to do sure! But no, I’m so thankful for what I already have – why change it?!
Whether you have 1 friend or 10, friends are those who should be part of your circle. You shouldn’t class people as friends who are toxic, put or down or create tension or animosity. Friendship should be simple, like the times where you may share a quiet moment and theres no awkwardness at all. Friends are for emergency watsapp advice, for drinking prosecco and for sharing your dirty secrets!
I am so thankful for my friends, new and old who know exactly who I am and who get ‘me’. Who manage to say the right thing at the right time. You know who you are.
Finally, I wanted to share how thankful I am for this place – my blog. Since it all began nearly 2 years ago, I’ve challenged myself to no other, putting some of my stories online for others to read and becoming my own little business – which I never intended on but has been a fun development. I absolutely love the blogging community with all the advice and support I’ve gained over time, as well as the few people I have met and shared fun experiences with.
I am so thankful I took the plunge to write my first blog post back in January 2018 on our visit to the Sealife Centre!
Whatever you may be going through, take it all back to what really matters to you. What do you most feel thankful for, no matter how big or small? Write it down, it may make it feel all the more real for you.
Thanks for reading xxx
Hi and welcome to The Willow Tree. I’m Michelle, also known as Shel and I am a mama to three beautiful crazy kids – I have two handsome boys and a wild and wonderful girl.
I really wanted a concrete place to share my love for travel, in particular Disney and offer my readers a chance to gain some knowledge around what we love to do as a family of 5.
I share our family adventures which include days out, travel advice and tips, holiday reviews, restaurant visits and of course, our love for Disney, including Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney World.
Life is about creating memories, and here we are sharing them with you
xoxo
Great read that was puts things into perspective
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