grateful – Jennifer Thomson

We should always spend a little time to reflect on the reasons we have to smile, but Thanksgiving is a special occasion to devote a little bit of extra gratitude to the little things that make our life a happier one.

For the first time in 2 years, I don’t have to board a plane or drive for hours just to be with the people I adore the most; for that, I’m incredibly grateful. But aside from waking up in my own bed, in the city I’ve loved all my life – this year during the most humble holiday of the year…

I’m most thankful for love.

Before you think this is going to turn into some sappy post about the love of my life and some guy who swept me off my feet – don’t worry it’s not. Because although I’m a huge hopeless romantic and usually get wrapped up in that cheesy, love of my life kind of stuff (and I am thankful to have found ‘love-love’ this year) I’m actually talking about the unconditional, raw, and genuine love from friends, family, and random strangers.

I’m thankful for family members who call me just to make sure I’m okay and to tell me that they miss me, for cousins who might as well be my brothers, and for aunts/uncles who play the role as my parents because they love me as their own.

I talk about being an only child all the time, but it’s not entirely true, and I’m grateful to have a half siblings that I can turn to when I need to – despite the fact that there’s a huge distances between where we live, our age, and our personalities. It’s cool to know that even though our lives have always been completely separated, we can still be a family and love each other as so.

I consider myself extremely lucky to have met some of the most compassionate, wonderful, and authentically beautiful human beings on the planet. Even better, is that I get to call them my friends.

I’m thankful to have good people with good hearts, who hold my hand and let me lean on their shoulder when I need it the most. I’m so happy to know people who don’t judge me on my flaws, encourage my better qualities, and who believe in me more than I sometimes believe in myself.

I’m grateful for old friends who found their way back into my life and made it better, and to random strangers who wiggled their way into my heart. There’s also certain, very special individuals who love me against all odds and dramatic life events – and I’m glad you’re here.

Every day, I feel overwhelmed with the love I’m offered by all sorts of different, amazing people in my life. Girls, guys, mentors, kindred souls and fellow warriors who dish out the best hugs, the most valuable advice and who stand behind me no matter my mood. They’re the people who sit with me when I’m sad, let me be mad, and force me to smile when I need a good reminder of how awesome this life is.

Life is a whole lot more beautiful because the love I share with so many incredible human beings. I hope you all know who you are – and I thank you for sharing a little bit of your hearts.

I’ve definitely got a soft spot for every single one of you in mine.

I successfully completed 6.5 weeks of Lent last year, and I was a better person because of it.

I’ve decided to give Lent another go this year; as the future continues, I’ll likely make a yearly tradition of this, continuing taking small steps to better myself and the world around me. It’s incredible how even the smallest actions can make a difference on the way you view the world. Although Lent is the perfect opportunity to reflect on personal impacts, I think we should spend more time observing them throughout the year.

I have lots of days, when a bad day makes me wish I stayed in bed, or when I curse my poor decisions and the imperfect scenarios I deal with… but the reality, is that I’m incredibly blessed to wake up every day and live my life. As much as people can attest to my endless complaints and the occasional appearance of my spoiled brat attitude – I try to appreciate the little things and the special people that make every moment of life worth living, as often as I can.

Although not quite as extensive as last year’s ‘plan’, here’s this year’s goals for Lent:

Mondays/Fridays: Take a picture of something/someone I’m grateful for.

Since Mondays are often dedicated to loathing the work week, while Fridays are spent focusing on preparations for the weekend ahead – I feel these are the best times to just appreciate something significant in my life.

Wednesdays/Saturdays: Leave a positive message for someone.

Everyone deserves to feel good, about themselves or something they’ve done. I’m going to remind people they’re appreciated and spread the love.

Sundays: Spend at least one hour reading a book.

I struggle with taking time for myself, and allowing my body to relax and rest. I also have a stack of books that I should pick up and read, but never give myself time to do so. This task will teach me to sit and ease my mind, and I’ll finally push myself to indulge in one of my favourite past times.

This schedule is just a simple guideline; there’s always room for revisions and extra random acts of kindness towards myself and others. The more goodness we share with one another and ourselves, the better place our world can become. So, don’t forget to smile and spread happy thoughts to everyone around you.

I’m looking forward to another year of Lent, and another chance to make every day better myself and the good people I come across. I hope you can find opportunity in the next 6.5 weeks (or more) to do something good for the well-being of yourself and others, and to appreciate the life you have.

— Happy Lent.

Tag: grateful

Love and Thanks.

Lent.