Day 365... the last one

THURSDAY 3.9.15 - I am thankful for... My ability to be thankful! And being able to blog about it

Day 365. An entire year of finding at least one thing to be thankful for in each day. It was definitely not easy, some days there are so many things to be thankful for and others you really have to think hard. But I've proved, if only to myself, that it's very possible. So for my last day I am very thankful for my ability to be thankful. It's actually been a really tough week with today being the worst yet. However my work colleagues gave me an early birthday surprise with these beautiful flowers and CHEESECAKE! I already got my birthday wish and its not even my birthday yet. I'm extremely blessed to have wonderful people in my life, something I've never been short of. And some on those people have been listening to me whinge all week. Sorry guys!

Tomorrow I turn 28. Not sure how I feel about it, I'm not exactly where I'd thought I'd be in life, which is neither good nor bad. Just different. However, I chose to look at each and every day with thanksgiving. Thankful that I wake up. Thankful that I have a day to look forward to. Thankful I have people to enjoy it with. Thankful I have all my needs met. And hopeful I have the next day to look forward to. This experience has definitely helped me grow, I'm all the better for it.

Thank you for reading my blog! If you have any questions feel free to ask. It's going to be weird not doing it anymore, but I hope you all got something out of it, I know I did.

Day 364...

WEDNESDAY 2.9.15 - I am thankful for... Seeing people make healthy life choices

*Picture from http://282814.net/making-healthy-lifestyle-choices/

Some of my favourite stories from work are from people turning their lives around for the better. Today I had the pleasure of seeing two of those. I had two patients do an exercise test this afternoon. Two different men, one older and one younger. Both had heart health scares in recent years and both made choices to change their lifestyle. The older gentleman lost some weight and started walking everyday. The younger, deciding that his wife and young children were better if he stuck around quit smoking, changed his eating habits and lost a significant amount of weight. Both passed their tests with flying colours. Unfortunately there are people who do have health scares and despite the doctors advice they chose not to change. It's almost always to their detriment because their health only gets worse. But today was not one of those days. These patients have made some great choices and they are all the better for them. I am so thankful I am able to see people who make healthy life choices in my workplace. They are always so inspiring.

Day 363...

TUESDAY 1.9.15 - I am thankful for... Cheesecake

*Picture from pixie.info

Wow, can you believe it? Only 3 more blog posts to go. I have really enjoyed doing this blog, some days were harder than others when trying to be thankful. I had totally forgotten about my birthday until someone mentioned it to me a few weeks back, then I got the thinking "Ugh I don't have time to organise anything this year". Just with work being the way it is and other things going on. I think the only thing I want is a slice of cheesecake. It has always been my favourite cake since I can remember and I think I've had it as my birthday cake almost every year. My mum makes THE BEST baked cheesecake. I'm serious, it's out of this world! So good in fact my uncle requests it for his birthday every year! Alas, I think the distance will prevent that from happening, but that's ok. So I am thankful for cheesecake and hope that I can have some on my birthday.

Day 362...

MONDAY 31.8.15 - I am thankful for... Heartbreak

*Picture from www.xxkoori-himexx.deviantart.com

Warning!!! This is not a light hearted post. It is quite personal. A few years ago I noticed I was getting some attention from a guy I barely knew. Over a course of a few months we started chatting, which turned into facebook messages, which turned into text messages, which turned into calls, communication was at least daily. I'd never had a relationship before and assumed, with advice from others that this was the natural progression of two people who like each other getting to know each other and eventually forming a romantic relationship. For the first time I let myself be open and honest and vulnerable, sharing things you don't usually share with just anyone, some I obviously now regret. And, eventually I completely fell in love with this person. You know, the type of love where you would do anything or go anywhere for that person. You'd even make sacrifices just so they would be happy. To be there for them whenever they needed you. Then quite suddenly things changed and it turned out he didn't feel the same. I couldn't understand what happened, and still don't even today. To say I was devastated would be an understatement. I was heartbroken, like someone had smashed my heart into a million pieces and I was sure I'd never put them back together. Was it me? Was it him? Was there another reason? Maybe I'll never know. I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep. This were said and done which turned things a little ugly at times. But over time I started to heal and eventually started dating my now ex-boyfriend - just would like to point out it was a mutual break up due to us wanting different things for the future, my ex is a wonderful person and we are still good friends so this post is definitely not about him. Looking back I can see how my very painful experience shaped my relationship with my ex (I actually don't like the term "ex" because we are still good friends). It showed me what I liked and didn't like in a person and what I wanted out of a relationship. The reason I'm talking about this today is because I had a dream about 'that guy' and it brought up so many painful memories from that time. Why? I have no idea, I thought I'd dealt with it. Maybe it's one of those 'first love' things, you never quite get over or forget it. So, as painful as it was, I'm thankful for my period of heartbreak. It helped me grow as a person and know what I want in a future partner. I'm single at the moment but you just never know what the future holds. I'm hopeful :)

P.S. I've withheld names for personal reasons. Should you feel the need to comment, please leave names OUT.

Day 361...

SUNDAY 30.8.15 - I am thankful for... My Favourite colour

 

Can you tell what it is? I grew up saying my favourite colour is Aqua. As I've gotten older I've realised that Teal and Aqua are quite similar, one being technically darker than the other. So it just depends on what shade you distinguish the two. But I'd say both. From the above picture I'm sure you understand. I don't know why I love it, I just do. I guess maybe because it's not a too in-your-face kind of colour. Anyway, I'm so thankful for my favourite colour and the happiness it gives me.

Day 360... ALMOST THERE!

SATURDAY 29.8.15 - I am thankful for... My Favourite movie... Ever After

*Still from the movie.

On call again. Just today though. I'm actually quite glad because I am absolutely smashed from this past week. It took me until 10:30am to force myself out of bed, even then I didn't do much. I did however watch my favourite movie, Ever After. I don't remember the first time I watched it, nor could I tell you how many times I've seen it. But I can tell you why I love it. If you haven't seen it before, it's a movie from the late 90's that's a spin on Cinderella set in the middle ages. Drew Barrymore plays the main Cinderella type character. You know its the standard boy meets girl, not from same social circles, drama drama drama then happy ending. Sorry for the spoiler. What I love about it is the female protagonist isn't your typical fairytale damsel in distress. She is kind, compassionate and genuine yet strong, intelligent, would do anything for the ones she loves and is more than capable of looking after herself. Then the main 'Prince' character is great too. Initially he is immature, selfish and has no direction in his life even though he is to be king one day, but through getting to know and fall in love with the female character, he grows and finds his way. He doesn't rescue her. They become a team and compliment each other. The way a real relationship should. I just love Drew's character and think it's such a good role model for girls. I also love the classical soundtrack too. Today I'm thankful for Ever After and that no matter how many times I watch it, I love it every single time.

Day 359...

FRIDAY 28.8.15 - I am thankful for... Making mess

*Picture from www.halfsqueezedlemon.wordpress.com

Tonight at youth group we got the kids to make their own pizza. The dough was kindly donated to us so they got to roll out their own dough and cover their pizza with whatever toppings they liked. We also collectively made a dessert pizza with Nutella, marshmallows and strawberries, drizzled with more Nutella. Mmmmmmm. But of course, such fun can't be had without making a mess. I think we were all covered in flour by the end, leaders included. I think they all did really well, the pizzas looked great and they said they tasted ok. The dessert pizza wasn't too shabby either. I'm thankful tonight for making mess, because usually making a mess means you are having a good time. Besides, you can always clean up... hopefully...