Day 27...

DAY 27 - I am thankful for... Afternoon walks

It's getting to that time of the year when there's enough sunlight after work to exercise outside in the afternoon. Today was definitely one of those days! We are in the middle of unseasonably warm Sydney weather and I intend to make the most of it! I do go to the gym at work, which is great, especially in the winter, but there's just something so much more invigorating exercising outside. For me I think it's the constant change of scenery rather than staring at the wall. I love just grabbing my ipod and going wherever I feel like around my neighbourhood. I use this time to just try not to think about anything in particular, most importantly the stressful stuff. It's like mediating through exercise, if you understand what I'm saying. And even if Im tired, I find even going for a short walk makes me feel so much better than before. We as humans were designed for daily activity, not to be sedentary day in and day out. Its how you stay young! So I encourage you whether you are young or old, fit or unfit, get outside and go for a walk. You might surprise yourself and actually like it ;)

Day 26...

DAY 26 - I am thankful for... Messages :)

To be honest, it was difficult initially to think of something for today. Driving home I was trying to remember something that had happened that was extraordinary enough to mention in today's blog post. Work was good but normal, weather was nice, Chiropractor appointment was good. Nothing terribly 'wonderful' happened today. Then I remembered waking up to a beautiful message from my boyfriend on my phone. And then this afternoon, a surprise message from my cousin in Brisbane to say hi and have a quick chat, then I got Facebook messages from my besties on their honeymoon and another friend from Brisbane. Isn't it just a wonderful feeling that a simple message can mean someone is thinking of you? Its like receiving a letter in the mail from someone, or a phone call. Technology today allows messaging to be the equivalent of that. Of course, I mean this should be reserved for people who you are away from (not messaging people sitting in the same room as you!). I'm totally against people on social media when in the company of others - it's just plain rude! But when you are away from someone, a simple message can make all the difference. This blog exercise allowed me to explore every little thing that happened today to show me, there is a little extra in an ordinary day.

Days 24 & 25

Sorry everyone! Due to illness and technical difficulties I was unable to post yesterday's blog, but I'll do yesterday's and today's as one :)

DAY 24 - I am thankful for... Circular Quay

If you're catching the train, there's something about going through the tunnel to have it open up to the view of Circular Quay. It's quite spectacular! Especially on the sunny day, views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, crystal blue waters and sometimes even a cruise ship are beautiful and something to behold. The quay has a great atmosphere, usual lined with buskers and home to fine dining and museums. I usually am there on a Saturday morning as I walk from there around to where I do my Zumba classes. I never seem to get sick of the place and find it calming and yet lively. I would definitely put it on the 'To See' list if you haven't been there already.

DAY 25 - I am thankful for... Light

As long as the world has existed there has been light. I don't know anyone who can live without it. From the lights in your house or office, to candles and lamps that helps us to see, from the sunlight has sustains life on our planet. It's essential. Tonight at church the gentlemen who did the sermon spoke about light. Being a light in other people's lives, putting your own needs aside to be there for them. Now, whether you are "religious" or not, think how great the world would be if we all decided to be a shining light in peoples lives! He used these candles shown to emphasize the point, if you start with one candle, you get a little light, but the more and more you light, the brighter the area becomes. If more and more people lived a life where they were there for each other, imagine how bright our world could be, how bright our future could be. I'm not meaning this to sound like a sermon as well, but just an opinion on how one person does have the ability to change the world. I think this is really important especially in the world today that's full of hated and violence that has been emphasized by the acts of terrorism by a certain group. You cannot win the war on terror by spreading messages of hate and abuse, but instead banning together, showing love and compassion for one another. So I am thankful that we have light in this world. Both physical light and spiritual light. Choose to be a light for the world, to light the path for a brighter, better future.

Day 23

DAY 23... I am thankful for... Football! (NRL to be precise)

Tonight I went to my first NRL game in Sydney since moving from Brisbane over 3 years ago. It was just as good as I remember it. Again, it's not the greatest photo as I just had my phone, but it shows we had pretty good seats! I like watching it on TV, but there's just something about the atmosphere about being at the game in person. Whilst neither team were "my" team that I support, I still enjoyed it nonetheless, watching passionate supporters from both sides going crazy. My favourite time of the football calendar year would most definitely have to be State Of Origin. Now, I would not consider myself and extremely competitive person (maybe others do? I'm not sure) but my competitive streak most definitely rears its head for State of Origin but I look forward to it every year. Its great that we have the opportunity to watch so many different sports - if you're that way inclined. I believe that I will be watching football for a long time to come.

P.S. Thank you to the person/people who seem to 1+ my blogs! Whoever you are!

Day 22...

DAY 22 - I am thankful for... Staying Dry!

 

Walking back to my car after work today with a colleague, we thought we felt it start to spit. The weather has been pretty glum all day so we weren't surprised it might rain, I was just hoping to get to my car before it did. A few steps more, a few more drops of rain. I remember thinking "please just wait until I'm in the car!" and as soon as I shut my door, the heaven's opened! I thought that was very considerate of the rain to hold out for me :) Don't get me wrong, I love the rain and getting rained on and wet doesn't usually bother me. But anyone who knows what a wet car smells like would know that it was pretty important I stay dry! It also reminded me of a friend's wedding a few years ago. It was a dawn ceremony on the beach. The whole drive to the beach it poured rain. As soon as I got there the rain stopped and the sun came out for the entire ceremony. It was just beautiful. As soon as everyone was seated inside the reception venue, pouring rain yet again. Couldn't have timed it more perfectly if they tried! So whilst Im thankful for rain as its needed by our earth, Im very thankful that on occasions like today I didn't get wet from it, occasions where the timing of whatever it is, is just right and works in your favour. Besides, I'm prone to getting sick and I don't particularly feel like spending my weekend or next (long) weekend with something like pneumonia!

Day 21...

DAY 21 - I am thankful for... Parcel Lockers

Today wasn't particularly remarkable. I went to work, work was pretty good, nothing too crazy or unmanageable. Chiropractor appointment went well. Just chilled out at home tonight. This afternoon though I received a text from Auspost to say I had a parcel waiting for me at my designated parcel locker! For those of you who haven't heard of it before, its exactly what it sound like, a locker where Australia Post puts your parcel and you can go and pick it up, at your convenience, within 48hrs of delivery. Its easy to use, you sign up online and they give you an address of your nearest parcel locker, then you receive a text when your parcel arrives with a code to activate and unlock your locker. Its easy, convenient, available 24/7 and free. Like having a public PO Box without the fees. Its great for me because my post office is only open the hours I work, so its near impossible to get there if I need to. I know this isn't (again) a very deep and meaningful thing to be thankful for, and I could most definitely live without it. But its important to be thankful for all aspects of your life, including the small stuff. I'm thankful I live in a country where I have this luxury and convenience at my fingertips. No matter how much people might complain about things like this, we are truly blessed to have this kind of service. So thanks Auspost for this new and innovative way of delivering parcels. Its a great idea and works really well!

Day 20... already!

DAY 20 - I am thankful for... the Power of Positivity

I saw a patient on the ward today, an elderly gentlemen, to check his pacemaker. Even though he was ill enough to be in hospital he proceeded to tell me how lucky he was. How he'd never really been sick his whole life, except the pacemaker up until that point. How he attended church every Sunday and really got on well with the congregation there. How his 2 children were coming from Qld and Vic to visit him and he felt well loved and looked after by them. How he was married to the most wonderful woman he knew and even though she died several years ago, he told me how great a mother she was and how she kept him in line! He then told me a few terrible dad jokes that put a laugh and smile on both our faces and then I was done and left. On my way back to my office I passed our hospital outside eating area and a group of people had pulled a few tables together, draped a table cloth over it and filed the tables with soft drink and chips and lollies etc... a little party! I noticed a elderly couple who seemed to be the centre of attention. I'm not sure if the occasion was a birthday or anniversary but I could tell it involved one or both of the couple and at least one of them was an inpatient. Both of these made me think of how powerful being positive is in whatever circumstance you find yourself in. The above picture was taken after I completed my first city to surf race earlier this year. Its a 14km course, the biggest race I have ever done in my life! And the whole way through I just had to keep telling myself that I was capable of finishing, telling myself how well I was doing. All the people around me both racing and spectating were full of encouragement for all those participating. A very positive atmosphere indeed! My mother, for as long as I can remember, has ben an advocate of positive thinking. Its quite amazing how you can think more clearly and make better decisions when your in the right frame of mind. From the elderly gentlemen believing how good he has had life, to the couple celebrating with family and friends in a hospital, to myself finishing what for me was the biggest race of my life, none of these could be done if any of us were in a negative space, as is also a focus of me beginning this blog in the first place. So next time you find yourself in a slump or dark spot, try to turn it around. You might surprise yourself at what you can achieve ;)

Day 19...

DAY 19 - I am thankful for... My New Chiropractor

Sorry!!! (I apologise for the poor picture quality! After today's day it was the best I could do :p)

This morning I awoke to great pain and spasm in my back. I have seen it coming for weeks, done all the stretching and heat packing and deep heating one can do but it didn't change the fact... my back was out. I have suffered with musculoskeletal issues since my teens, as I'm sure a lot of you have at one point or another. I haven't been to see a Chiropractor since I move to Sydney (I always opt for remedial massage first) but today I knew I had to get on top of it. After a while you start to differentiate between pain caused by muscles and pain cause by skeletal alignment. So I googled a few places, found one that sounded good and got into after work. I was met by an extremely happy, bubbly gentlemen who took his time to assess me properly, explained what was going on and what he was going to do, with a dad joke or two thrown into the conversation. It starts with a bit of deep tissue release (yep it can be as painful as it sounds) followed by an adjustment. That "pop" you get when your bones go back into place is an immediate relief and you notice the difference straight away, its like an "ahhhhh" moment. I do realise there is some contention as to whether Chiropractic adjustment works or whether its just "hocus pocus" medicine. But I know many people who suffer spinal issues and it work wonders for them. So if something works and its safe, then why not? I'd much rather spend a bit of money on something that works and will last a little while than have to take pain medication for long periods of time. So don't knock it until you try it!


Day 18...

DAY 18 - I am thankful for... House work

Yes, you read correctly. I am thankful for house work. For all the washing, scrubbing, cleaning, ironing, vacuuming etc... I have always kept my home as clean as I can (except my bedroom, it always seems to come last and be just a tad messy!) and Sundays are generally my cleaning day. I take pride in a clean, presentable home and I get great satisfaction from cleaning as the end result is always nice. Having to do house work also means I have a home to do work in, that I have the means to afford to pay rent to put a roof over my head. Do you know what a luxury that is? Yes, I have worked hard to educate myself and get a very decent job to provide for myself, but a large chunk of the worlds' population, whatever their circumstance, don't have adequate shelter, let alone are able to afford to own or rent a home. We can complain about what we don't have yet fail to see just how "rich" we are in comparison to so many people. I can't quote any statistics about poverty because I just don't know, but I would say I am in a smaller percentage of people to have what I have. So with this in mind I try to do the boring jobs with as much joy as I can. Next time you get annoyed with having to do house work, I challenge you to maybe try and turn your thoughts around; to be thankful you have a roof over your head and can provide for yourself and your family if you have one. You'll be surprised at how differently you'll feel towards it :)

Day 17...

DAY 17 - I am thankful for... Baking

Pic: Healthy(ish) Chocolate Slice

Being oncall this weekend (and feeling rather tired and lazy) means I can't really make any solid plans because if work calls I have to drop what I'm doing and go. So what better way to pass time - other than housework - than to bake! I'm certainly no Donna Hay, but I can follow a recipe easily enough and love creating yummy foods. Growing up my mum always cooked our dinners and baked treats, her specialties being chocolate slice and baked cheesecake, among other things! I decided one day to try and master her chocolate slice recipe, and for the life of me I just CANNOT make it taste as good as hers. So I thought to myself, why keep trying to perfect the already perfected, find your own recipe! The healthy chocolate slice recipe I found on the internet seems to be my thing. I seem to make it better every time, so other people tell me :) When I become a mum someday I want to be like my mum was, always preparing a home cooked dinner and making treats, healthy or otherwise. I think its an important skill to have. Food is a universal thing that brings people together. So why not enjoy creating it!

Day 16...

DAY 16 - I am thankful for... Photography

I had a few medical appointments this afternoon and inevitably the doctor was running very late. Whilst working in the field I appreciate that its very easy to fall behind as you see a multitude of patients, but as a patient myself and after waiting almost an hour you start to think "this is a waste of time. What's taking so long? Wish I could just go, have so much to do". However those thoughts, for me anyway, are fleeting but it got me thinking how most of us view our "time" as a precious commodity. Photos are and have always been my favourite type of artwork. They capture a moment in time that will never happen again, part of a story in your life. For my birthday I bought myself a swanky new DSLR camera and have been teaching myself how to use it. I LOVE how much zoom there is on the lenses! Coming from using the phone on my camera, its a bit of an upgrade. The picture above is of a beautiful tree that was near where I was staying for the wedding just past. I'm not sure what type of flower this is (cherry blossom springs to mind, but I'm not an expert, can anyone tell me?) but I just know at the time I thought it was beautiful, and will not stay like this for long. Almost everyone today in Australia has a camera of sorts to record life. Birthdays, weddings, holidays, fun times. I am thankful we have the technology to take a picture to represent a past event for the future. After all by doing so we are snapping a moment within the greatest artwork of all... life.

Day 15

DAY 15 - I am thankful for... Imagination

My colleague and I were reminiscing today about the different made up games we used to play with our siblings and friends as children. Whether it was turning my sister's bunk bed into a ship or pretending my cousins' pool was a theme park or even creating an island paradise from my best friend's parent's driveway feature (which was a goldfish pond with a bridge and palm tree), we were always using our imagination to come up with games that would entertain us for hours. The above picture was drawn by my housemate's young daughter. This picture, if you look closely, actually tells an entire story about a dragon attacking a castle and the king and his men coming to rescue it... or something like that.  They say these types of imaginative play are very important to a child's development in early years. Of course now my imagination is usually in the form of "when I buy a house its going to look something like this and I'll do this to it" or "when I have children we will play like this" or even "next year when I go to Europe I'm going to see this and we'll do that" etc... Even as adults we use our imagination all the time for so many different reasons. People use it as a therapeutic tool to relax or let go of certain stressors. Imagine what it would be like if we were unable to imagine anything... hang on... you literally can't! So I'm very thankful that our brains are hardwired this way. It may seem silly but I feel maybe we take this for granted. Imagination can be such a positive and powerful tool. It can inspire us, encourage us, make us happy, give us hope. To quote the famous John Legend song that's so full of this hope "Imagine all the people, living for today..." how great could this word be.

Day 14...

DAY 14 - I am thankful for... Malteasers :)

Not a particularly deep and meaningful one today. I LOVE MALTEASERS! Actually, I just love chocolate. Milk, dark and white, I like it all. But there's just something about malteasers that just put them above the rest in my opinion. Maybe its because you can eat as little or as many as you want (usually more towards the "as many") or that you can share them or put them in popcorn and eat them together at the movies. One thing is certain, I could easily eat malteasers everyday if I had the chance, so generally I don't buy them for myself for that reason. This particular box I finished today which had been a birthday present. I am thankful for having had them, but I'm also thankful they are finished! Because, unfortunately, there is such a thing as too much chocolate!

Day 13...

DAY 13 - I am thankful for... Dance

Ever since I was a little girl I have danced. My sister also danced, as did my mother. It's in our blood I guess you could say. Of course, none of us went on to become professionals but that doesn't mean we all don't love it just as much. I have some of the most amazing memories made through my dancing group I grew up with, whom I'm still good friends with even though we are scattered all over the world doing various things! When I moved to Sydney I stopped dancing to really focus on my new job and career. It didn't take long for me to start to miss it. After about 18 months I started going to Zumba classes at Sydney Dance Company just under the Harbour Bridge, I LOVE going there! I love the vibe of the place, and if I go on the weekends I can walk around Circular Quay, through the Rocks markets and get a bit more incidental exercise. I also now do stretch classes there and aim to build my fitness to try a jazz or tap class again. I love the freedom dance gives you. I also love how my body feels afterwards. It incorporates both cardio and strengthening and you just feel so much better when you have good flexibility. I'm definitely feeling the difference now since before I stopped, I have a lot of work to do! But I'm still enjoying it and intend on enjoying it as long as I'm able to.

Day 12...

DAY 12 - I am thankful for... My Sister, Sarah!

Again, today was an easy one! It is my sister Sarah's birthday today! Unfortunately I couldn't spend the day with her but was thinking of her all day. Growing up, we've always been really close. We were those weird siblings that missed each other when one of us went on school camp, when our friends were more than happy to be away from their siblings! We are very different people, like chalk and cheese our mum says. If she asked us if we wanted one thing or the other, I'd say one thing and Sarah would say the other! But despite our differences in likes and personalities, we have a very strong bond of both friendship and sisterly love. We have laughed and cried together and have been on some amazing adventures. She is one of the kindest and definitely one of the funniest people I know and am so proud she s my sister. I love her more than she'll ever know and nothing will ever change that. I'm most definitely thankful for her.

Day 11...

DAY 11 - I am thankful for... My church family :)

I'm using this photo to represent my Church Family because I just don't have one single picture that has them all in it, and could never leave anyone out! I have been truly blessed to have such a great church support network both when I lived in Brisbane (St Marks Uniting) and now here in Sydney. As I have no direct family here, the wonderful people of LPUC have been there for me and always willing to help and make sure I'm always looked after. They are the most accepting, inclusive and non-judgemental group of people and I'm so lucky to have found them, as were my Brisbane group :) I feel confident that if I ever needed anything then they would jump to my aid, and I to theirs. Its not often you can find a reliable group of people outside your family, but I have. Unfortunately groups with a "religious affiliation" tend to have a bad reputation as being "judgemental" or have a higher than thou" complex. In my experience this is not true. My prayer is that everyone who reads this has or is able to find a support network of people that are truly great and will be there for you always, rain, hail or shine.

Day 10! Into double digits!

DAY 10 - I am thankful for... Free concerts

I love music. Always have. Have grown up with it and have always been part of music in some form. I honestly couldn't imagine life without music in it! Tonight a Christian band by the names of Sons of Korah held a free concert in the city. The are famous for taking the Psalms in the bible and bringing them to life through song. They were incredible! All the musicians play several instruments and sometimes go back and forth between the different ones in the same song! Very talented. But its very obvious they love what they do and are very passionate about it, which made me enjoy it even more. Its so important to find things we are passionate about because we will always do a much better job at whatever it may be. Not necessarily your occupation, but find something you can do or participate in that you love. Its good for the soul!

Day 9...

DAY 9 - I am thankful for... Youth Group

This term we have started having youth group on a Friday night and I have joined as a leader. So far it has been an awesome and positive experience! We have a great bunch of young teenage kids who come and really good friends as my fellow leaders. Its not only a great chance to obviously learn and talk about the bible and God, but also a safe place for the kids to be in, to feel like they belong. Teenage years are difficult for probably 99% of people for different reasons and I love being able to tell kids "what you feel and what you are going through is completely normal" or "I was like that at your age too". It can be so hard for them to try and figure out who they are as individuals and that's before you through worldly distractions into the mix! If I can make just 1 teenager feel special and that they are fine exactly the way they are, then I'll be happy :)

Day 8...

DAY 8 - I am thankful for... Boot Camp!

I know what you're thinking. "Is this girl nuts?". You could be right. Why would I be thankful that I spend 45mins of my day being pushed to my limit by an instructor (who is lovely by the way), sweating, rolling around on the ground getting dirty and bitten by ants only to wake up stiff and sore the next day? I am thankful because I have the health and ability to do so. I have been doing boot camp every Monday and Thursday afternoon for a few weeks. Its a great way to exercise and is different every week. Its also affordable for me because the classes are run by a guy who works at the hospital I work at, so it equates to be $5 a session. Bargain! The other participants are also a great source of encouragement. I'm very conscious of my health because I have grown up with a lot of medical conditions both past and ongoing. So I savour the periods of time when I am in good health, when I can concentrate on my fitness because when you are healthy you just feel better and do life better generally.

And for the record, yes those are my feet and my bright pink joggers. Would you believe I'm not much of a "pink" girl?

Day 7...

 



DAY 7 - I am thankful for... Coffee!

 

You know when you wake up some mornings and you're just exhausted, sometimes for no reason? That was me this morning. Didn't have a late night, slept well but was still feeling "blah" when I got to work so one thing was one my mind after our Wednesday morning meeting... coffee! I usually only drink coffee because I like it (generally soy mocha or soy lattes are my drinks of choice) but today felt like I NEEDED it! So I was very thankful that we have a coffee shop in the hospital to buy not too bad coffee from. And like it says, 5c from every coffee purchased is donated back to the hospital. Win for me, win for the hospital. People would call that a win/win situation, right?

Coffee is also a good excuse to catch up with people. We can say "hey, haven't see you in a while. Want to catch up and grab a coffee?". It's a great way to be social, especially if you are a little time poor (I mean actually PHYSICALLY social, no technology needed, unless you pay for your coffee with a credit/debit card...) and its so readily available. Catching up for coffee is a very common phrase these days, whether you actually drink the coffee or not. So why not ask someone to catch up for coffee soon? Its a great way to keep in touch.

 

 



 

 

Day 6...

DAY 6 - I am thankful for... Warm weather!

Sorry this is late! My internet decided to not work on my laptop or tablet and my phone just couldn't handle it!

It's been spring for a couple of days now but yesterday it actually FELT like it! Anyone who knows me well would know I much prefer warm spring/summer weather over winter any day. So now we are coming out of winter I am getting excited! Longer days, more sun, being outside more at the beach etc... I suppose growing up in Queensland warmer weather is what I'm accustomed to. When I first moved to Sydney they were having the coldest, longest winter in many a year. It felt like it lasted until November! All I could think of was "It was a mistake to move!". Of course, I'm getting used to NSW winters but nothing will ever change my love for warmer weather :)

Day 5...

DAY 5 - I am thankful for... Nature's beauty

Have you ever just looked at something outside in nature and thought "wow how incredible is that!". I like to do that all the time. For sunsets, and flowers, animals doing what they do in their habitat. The above picture is my bridesmaid bouquet, made completely with Australian native flowers and seeds. This flora is designed to withstand the harsh Australian climate, which is probably why 2 days after the wedding they still look incredible (except the side it was laying on yesterday, those flowers are a little squished...). They are so incredibly beautiful, as was the property on which the wedding was held because of all the trees and gardens within it. I am so thankful we have free, natural, beautiful things to be in awe of.

Of course, natural beauty is also present in people too. Yesterday, the youth pastor and friend from my church in Brisbane past away after a long battle with illness. She was the epitome of a naturally beautiful person. She lived to serve other people. Her positivity and cheekiness was infectious to anyone around her. She had the most beautiful heart and nothing was too great a task for her if she could help someone out. The world was a better place for having her in it and I know I will never forget the positive impact she had on me and so many others. And while losing her is very sad, I'm grateful for knowing her and know she is no longer in pain. That in itself is a beautiful thing.

 

Day 4...

DAY 4 - I am thankful for... Fathers

Today's blog is an easy one. Here in Australia it is Father's Day, a wonderful time when we can not only thank our fathers for being the wondering men in our lives, but also our grandfathers, uncles and friends. I'm incredibly blessed to have a wonderful father in my life. Even though my parents divorced when I was young, they remain friends to this day which had allowed my sister and I to each grow beautiful relationships with him. Unfortunately, I live in a different state to my dad so I could not celebrate with him (or take his picture! So I settles for taking a photo of a relevant picture :p). He has always been there for me, even if its on the other end of the phone, and has never been afraid to tell us when he is proud or just how much he loves us. I realise that not everyone has the same relationship with their parents like I do, so I try not to take it all for granted.

I also have many friends and family that are fathers. Just this weekend I watched one of the groomsmen from my friend's wedding yesterday interacting with his little girl. He's not afraid to lay down the law when she misbehaves (which ALL children do, especially at that age!), but there's no denying he loves her like no tomorrow and would do anything for her. Its a beautiful thing to watch. Especially dancing with her at the wedding yesterday. She is the apple of his eye and a great example of a dad. So if you have a great dad or know one, tell him :)

Day 3...

DAY 3 - I am thankful for... Long term friendships

Pic: Bride in centre (Danielle), Edwina left and myself, right. Taken by good friend, Bonita Farmer :)

Yesterday was my best friend's wedding day (pictured centre). The three of us have been close friends since we were about 6 years old, and instead of drifting apart as we grew older, we only became closer and now after 20 years of friendship I can't imagine any other two people I would feel most comfortable around who aren't family. Growing up we talked about the things we wanted to do and achieve, the people we would marry and what our lives would be like. Thankfully, we have got to experience so many wonderful life events and precious moments together, and yesterday was just another one of those. Danielle is the first of us to get married and so I believe it was an incredibly special day for the 3 of us as well as the couple. Obviously I cheated a little as I didn't take this photo myself, but a friend of ours Bonnie (who is quite handy with a camera!) as we were waiting for the photographer to arrive, mucking around taking fun and silly pictures. The whole day was like that, fun silly and relaxed (hence why Im posting the blog the next day, I was too busy having fun!). I even sort of got in trouble by the photographer for making the bride laugh! I am so blessed to have so many incredible people in my life, and especially thankful for these 2, because friendships that have lasted so long at such a young age can be rare. But I believe what the 3 of us have is special, and will last the journeys of each of our lives, no matter where in the world we may be. I look forward to many, many more years of life events to come.

Day 2...

DAY 2 - I am thankful for... History :)

Pic: Gledswood Homestead in Camden, NSW

It's interesting, as a child in primary school I was completely fascinated by ancient history, particularly Egyptian, and couldn't care less for more modern history. Now as I grow older I love learning about the history of different places, about the people who used to live there and how they lived. Tomorrow, my best friend gets married in this beautiful place that has been around since the 1800s and housed some of the regions most affluent families. The homestead and its grounds have been beautifully preserved and have an incredibly warm feeling to it. Tonight a group of us, including the bride (it was actually her idea), did a historical ghost tour of the property. Of course there was a large spiritual aspect to it but we heard so many stories about the different buildings and what they were used for, the generations after generations of people who lived there and some of their individual stories, all of which were so interesting. I have done one ghost tour of another historical landmark earlier this year and loved it also. You're probably thinking one thing by now - that I'm a complete nerd... and you'd be right :). I will completely own that! Its so easy to forget about the people who have lived before us, but I believe its important to preserve the memory of what has been because those who have come before us have shaped our country into what it is today, the good the bad and the incredibly awful. We can learn from the mistakes they made and relish in the things they did right. Because after all we will one day be the same as them... part of history.

Hello Blog World!

Hello and welcome to my new and very first blog, 365 Days of Thanksgiving! I've been thinking about doing this for a while now but have finally got my act together! The idea for this blog came from various influences and other blogs so through my blog I plan to post something different about each day - accompanied by a photo I will take myself - that I am thankful for. You might be thinking "that sounds pretty easy" (and maybe even a little cheesy?) and possibly even "done" before. I hope to prove you wrong ;)

So firstly, about me. I'm a Queensland born girl living in Sydney for the past 3 years. I have a job that I am passionate about and love (yep, I'm that lucky!) and the most amazing family and friends in my life. I'm a devout Christian and just started as a youth group leader, I love music and dance and being outside experiencing life. I have had my fair share of setbacks and tough times, as have a lot of people (mine mainly involving a string of medical issues since early childhood) , which I haven't always dealt with well (pretty much ignored them and carried on the 'I'll be right' attitude) and unfortunately was diagnosed with depression a few months ago. So I'm planning to turn this around by looking for the beauty in everyday, no matter how small or insignificant it seems. And today is my 27th Birthday, so why not start today!

So why a public blog? I'm hoping to use this forum to keep myself accountable so I continue to post something everyday, and hopefully I can inspire, encourage and maybe even entertain (though I wouldn't exactly call myself a writer) those who graciously decide to take the time out of their day to read it :) I hope, through my honesty and openness to reach people using my personal experiences so you may see that everyday holds something different and special, something to be acknowledged and celebrated no matter how your overall day pans out, no matter what your circumstance. And please feel free to leave comments if you have any questions or suggestions (please no nasty hateful messages, I want this to be a place of positivity).

So here we go!

DAY 1: I am thankful for... Birthdays!

Seeing as it is my birthday I thought it seemed fitting to start with this. As children, birthdays are one of those days of the year you look forward to most (on par with Christmas and Easter) because generally they are filled with presents and cake and fun times with family and friends. You associate birthdays with positivity and excitement. As you get older you have your milestones; 16, 18, 21 and you might chose to have a big party or do something extra awesome. But after that birthdays generally lose there spark, their shine dims a little. Why is that? Because society has this "thing" about getting older. But we should acknowledge the day of our birth every year, because it was the day we came into the world, the day we began our life, the day we started having a purpose in the world! My manager at work, who is also now a good friend of mine, gets excited for her birthday every year. I used to feel like my birthday wasn't a big deal now I was past the milestones and no one need pay attention to it anymore, so her attitude towards it baffled me at first. Now I think its great and such a positive thing to do! My mum for her 50th threw herself a party and organised it so she and everyone who attended had a fabulous time. So now I choose to say "Yeah! I turn 27 today!" I have that many years of experiences and memories and I can't wait to see more in the next year. Of course I'm not saying go out and spend ridiculous amounts of money or throw a huge party for yourself every year (or do! If that's how you roll!) just make sure you say to yourself "I'm glad its my birthday because it means I'm alive and have purpose".