Progress! Week 3!

I’ve had one of those days where I can physically, emotionally and mentally see the progress I’ve made, the changes that have occurred. A few hiccups today were just that – hiccups, life, normal happenings. These same events not too long ago could have triggered quite a different response.

I’m so happy that I am now able to settle in to life’s normal routine of ups and downs and take each challenge as it comes, and even happier that I’ve got the skills I need to make sure I don’t let them become a big issue.

Life happens. Life IS happening and I’m a part of it.

I am building new, amazing, exciting relationships. I am working, laughing, studying, eating. I’m listening to my body, mind and heart.

I’m having fun.

Tonight, I’m just grateful to be alive and here, plodding along, working out this crazy roller coaster we’re all on and hoping that the sunshine in my days hangs around for a long time, cause I’m enjoying the warmth that being happy brings.

Time to Heal! Week 2!

I’ve been making decisions this last week about the near future – what I want to be doing right now, etc. I went and signed paperwork to take a 6 month leave of absence from uni, I’ve applied for jobs, on Wednesday I have an interview for a job which I am very excited about. I’ve also found out I have some problems with my left foot that needs sorting out. That I need to slow down. Rest. Let my body heal properly.

The last two years, throughout my treatment and recovery, I’ve been constantly told to slow down. How funny that as I begin to truly feel that I am healing, do I heed this advice and take some time to focus on me. That I allow myself to take 6 months off from my course without reprimanding what it might do to the image I have of myself, that I am not doing things the way I had planned.

So this week, I find myself feeling grateful for the opportunity to see that it is okay to slow down, and for my dean being so supportive of this. She acknowledged my anxiety and sat with me to map out the rest of my course after this leave, to show me that it’s not going to make a huge difference. I’m grateful for kind words of advice and support, for friends telling me that by looking after myself in this time I am allowing myself to become a better nurse.

And then there’s the smaller things. I’m stressed about finances at the moment. Worried I’m not quite going to make ends meet this month. This evening I went for a walk across town and as I passed a young person on the street, settling in for the evening in the only shade they could find, I am grateful that I have a home to retreat to, a fan to lie under and a network of friends to complain about this heatwave to. My thoughts wander to those who aren’t as lucky as me right now, the victims of the bushfires, those without a home, and I send them a gentle wish that they stay safe, or find comfort, and the universe sends some kindness their way.

What do you have to be grateful for this week? Have you come across something that’s made you aware of your blessings, grateful for something you’ve previously taken for granted? 

Welcome! Week 1

Well! Hello! It is now 2013, and this is my first post of the year. I have been blogging over at Fighting for Freedom for quite some time now, but I decided that it was time to highlight how amazing the universe can really be. Each week I will write a post on all that I have to be grateful for in the week that has passed. Life is never easy, and things don’t always ‘work’ so some of these posts may be finding the tiniest bit of light in difficult situations but I’ve made it a challenge to myself to find that light. There was never a night that could defeat the sunrise.

This post is a very bright and happy one. I’m wonderfully happy right now. Last night was such a wonderful night. Barney and I spent the evening on the beach, with a picnic, games, bubbles, music, singing and dancing. There were fireworks, the atmosphere was amazing and the company even better. Today I slept for 5 hours, then woke up and went to buy stationery. I tend to over think things, so I had a nice long chat to Barney about my feelings. I couldn’t be more thankful to him for listening to me and making me feel safe and secure in our relationship. I’m glad that I’ve reached a point in my life where I can have a conversation with someone about feelings and concerns without turning it inward and letting it manifest into self blame. Though this still needs work, I’m getting there and it’s nice to be able to wholeheartedly work at making this relationship work.

Today, I am pondering the year that has passed, and how far I have come in the last 12 months. I am grateful that I have a second chance at happiness and I can be sitting here writing this post. I am so hopeful for the future. I’m sure this year is going to be a good one.

Each day this week I will be practising gratitude. I will be mindful of the good in all situations and I will be thankful to have the chance to experience them.

What are you grateful for today? What do you plan to do this week to be mindful of the good in each day? 

I wish each and every one of you a happy and healthy 2013. May all your hopes and dreams come true.

Love, Light and Laughter ~ MissL