You may have noticed that the majority of my posts involve a good old rant, and why not. Everyone loves a good rant, and when you have a strong opinion over something, it’s good to get things of your chest. But today, I’m going to count my blessings. I think a lot of the time, we have so many worries that we forget what’s truly important to us. Up until December last year, I’d never wanted for anything. I’d always earned my own money and even though we’ve all been a bit skint at some point, I’d never really worried about finances. Today, after doing my morning chores, I sat down with a coffee and started thinking – Dangerous! I know, but bare with me!! |
If I’m honest, I’ve had a really crappy couple of years, for one reason or another, things just don't seem to have gone as planned and it certainly hasn’t been easy. But instead of dwelling on those past issues, I’m a great believer (and it works), in looking forward, learning from my mistakes and trying not to look back.
If you’re not happy with your current circumstances, turn the page, start a new chapter and move on.
I’m the skintest I have EVER been. EVER! But only financially. I’m not a material person and so when I look round at what I have, I feel like the richest person in the world.
OK, so I’m single! So what! I have two beautiful children. They are cute, intelligent, kind and caring, and they have their own little personalities. I am so, so proud of them it’s unreal. I am so proud, because that is down to me! The time I have spent with them, moulding them, teaching them, helping them to understand the difference between right and wrong.
I once recall being at a Fuzzy Eds play area in Mirfield. It was a good few month back now, but I heard Will crying and getting upset. As a treat for good behaviour as we leave I give them a £1 to put in one of those ball machines so they can get a toy, and a little girl, no older than about maybe 18 month had taken it off him.
Her mum took it off her and gave it back to Will. He looked at the little girl as she burst into tears and without saying a word, took his toy out of the ball, and gave the ball to her.
“Here you go,” he said, and her little face lit up. Her mum was astonished and I was beaming! “Good boy Will!” I said, “That is so kind! Look how happy you made her!”
“I know,” he said. “I didn’t want her to be sad and cry.”
I was so proud. If a two year old can show such compassion, why do we as adults find it so difficult?
Moving on. So, I’ve already said I’m skint, and I'm single, but I have two beautiful children, I have a lovely home (even if it was built for borrowers), I have amazing family, equally amazing and beautiful friends who I can call on come rain or shine, I have a cat (Cookie), who thinks she’s dog, a rabbit (Peter), who is constantly trying to hump the cat and a thirteen year old Banded Californian King Snake (Houdini), who is just happy to chill out and loves her bonding time with Amelia, when she’s not trying to sink her teeth into my hand at feeding time, that is.
I love where I live and for the first time in years, we’re settled and happy. I may weigh a good stone more than before I brought these beauties into the world, but I genuinely do not care.
Yes I have my body hang ups, everybody does, but is it really crucial to be a stick thin figurine?
Those stretch marks and that awful skin on my belly, that’s their story. That reminds me of how lucky I am to have them.
Some people believe that winning the lottery will answer all their problems, and yes, money can make your life more comfortable, but I do believe that you don’t necessarily need it to be happy.
Look around you. What or who do you have that you couldn’t live without?
For me it’s my family. I could lose everything tomorrow, but I know that so long as I have them, everything will still be alright in the end, they give me something to live for.
Here’s an idea for you, and I do it when I’m feel a bit crappy about things.
Sit down in a quiet place, light a candle if you like, pour yourself a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, grab a note pad and a pen, or even the back of an envelope will do, and write down EVERYTHING you love about yourself , EVERYTHING you’re proud of accomplishing, EVERYTHING you love about your life, EVERYTHING you're grateful for.
Keep hold of it, stick it on the fridge, stick it to your mirror or in your bag, and every time you feel a bit low, read it.
There’s a lot more people going through a lot worse. We should be thankful every day for what we have. I know I am.
Peace out guys and have a fabulouso day!
A x