So, in honour of Thanksgiving in America, a short list of what I am thankful for:
- My family. Words will never be enough to describe just how fortunate I am to be surrounded by amazing people who seem to forgive and accept my faults, love me for myself and stand by me through thick and thin.
- My wonderful friends, who not only forgive, but also try to understand the reasons behind my bizarre behaviour. One of my best friends recently told me she wants to see 'the old me' back. At the moment, I can't really remember who I was before I got ill, and I am thankful that my friends have stuck around to remind me.
- The times I have had, especially in the past 18 months or so, which have shown me brief glimpses of a normal life. Going to South Africa last year, family holidays this year, and just spending time with people I love, laughing and being happy - I cling to the memories because I know I can do it again and recover. I want those times back and more.
- That I am still physically healthy. I have been making myself vomit, sometimes several times a day, since I was 14, and I still have strong teeth. There are days when I can't believe I have never had any serious problems, considering what I can put my body through, and all I can say is that I have been very lucky. And I am so thankful for that. Although I never admit it, I am absolutely terrified that my body could give up on me at any time.
- To live in a country where I can access the healthcare I need, when I need it. Actually, to live in an area of the country is more accurate! NHS services for mental health are notoriously patchy and underfunded, yet I have been one of the fortunate few to access great NHS help this year. The unfortunate thing in the equation is that I am too stubborn and scared to accept it.....
- To have a home and a warm place to sleep at night. At any time of year it breaks my heart to see people begging and living on the streets, but it becomes even harder at Christmas, when the emphasis is on families and being happy.
- Pepsi Max, Splenda and sugar free jelly - so sweet and barely any calories!
- My dog. Some would call her an overgrown rat, but I respectfully disagree. And, as Christmas is coming, there will be chance to dress her up like this again:
- Sky Plus TV - I have no idea how I lived without it! Ditto my Blackberry!
- "24" DVD boxsets, as I'm currently binge-watching series 5, loving Jack Bauer and reconsidering my plans to become a primary school teacher in favour of working for CTU.
- Music. I can't imagine a world without it.
Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.
~ William Arthur Ward
LOVE this post honey ;-)
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