“Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses” Alphonse Karr
How often do you take time out to really appreciate how truly amazing your life is and the things you have?
March has been a crazy busy month for me and even though I could sit here and whinge about all the things that didn’t go my way, I believe it’s important to give thanks for all the things that did.
It’s so easy to spend your time and energy feeling bad because your life is a little tough but it’s important to know that despite the sadness you may feel right now, there are so many things in your life you can be thankful for and I believe that’s what you need to try and concentrate on.
I always say it’s the small things that matter the most and when we forget to focus on what we do have rather than what we don’t, life can get pretty frustrating and depressing.
So here are 7 things which I am especially thankful for this month.
1. God’s Favour
I am truly thankful for God’s favour in so many ways.
Simply waking up every day is a blessing because nothing is guaranteed in this life. We assume that tomorrow is promised but it’s not, so never under-estimate the fact that you woke up this morning.
This month I am super thankful because I got the chance to meet with my dear friend Derrick Rutledge who is the makeup artist for Oprah Winfrey. It was great to spend time with him and also to attend the premiere of Oprah’s new film A Wrinkle In Time.
Whilst staying back in London I met some amazing new friends. The Sunday Times did a special video shoot with Derrick highlighting the makeup he created on Oprah for the film and I had the opportunity to meet some super fun ladies on the shoot.
Also, whilst looking for an outfit for the premiere I ended up buying a gorgeous dress from Karen Millen in Selfridges and I can not tell you how fabulous the staff are there! Super friendly, fun and just a joy to connect with. As a lover of the Karen Millen brand I am hoping to work with them in the future so am praying for God’s favour on that!
2. A New House
As you may know I moved house recently and moved back to the Midlands from London. It was never a move I really wanted to make but I decided I had to so that I could complete the project of my women’s home.
Finding a place you can call home is never easy. It’s easy to find a house but you have to create a home. The place where I live now is a little two bedroom flat, in a small village and set in 10 acres of land. It’s very neutral, cosy and beautifully decorated.
One of the things I knew I would miss the most from our London flat was the view but I have to say, the view from the new flat is different but just as stunning. You can see the beautiful countryside for miles and the sunrise and sunset are just wonderful. In the mornings you can watch the deers, birds and squirrels and even play a game of tennis on the court in the rear garden. Watch out Serena Williams – here I come!
Even though I know this is a place of transition for us and not a permanent move, no matter where you live, having a place to call home is something to be thankful for.
3. Family and Friends
March is my mother’s birthday month and even though we haven’t always seen eye to eye I am truly grateful to her for giving me life and for supporting me over the years. You may have come from a dysfunctional family like mine but I would encourage you to always give thanks for your family because without them you wouldn’t be who you are today.
I also give thanks for my friends. Even though I’m very much a people person, I can be a bit of a loner really and don’t have to many close friends. I am truly grateful to my friends for supporting me when I need it and not being afraid to tell me the cold hard truth, adding the sunshine in my life when all I can see is rain and for pushing me when I feel like I want to give up.
Everyone needs cheerleaders in their corner and I’m grateful for the people that God has sent to help me to keep on keeping on. Often in life it’s the quality of friendships that matters the most and not the quantity.
4. My Car
Now this might seem like a strange one but in my complete stupidity I decided to move house myself because the lady who was moving into the London property bought all my large furniture. So I decided not to hire a removals company to move my personal belongings, but boy did I under-estimate how much stuff I actually had!
The first two trips up and down the motorway weren’t to bad but five trips later and feeling exhausted with a bad back made me realise what a mistake it had been but also made me realise how grateful I was that my car could handle it.
It’s certainly not a new car (about 13 years old) and when the snow hit the UK as I was moving I did start to worry as it’s also a rear wheel drive but it did me proud and I’m super grateful that it didn’t break down.
5. Snow
Another thing which might seem a bit strange but watching the snow coming down in London this month was just magical. It was like something from Narnia! In the UK things generally come to a halt when we get just a few snowflakes but you have to admit it did look pretty gorgeous.
This winter has been pretty cold and miserable but I believe that we should embrace the cold weather because it helps you to appreciate the warm weather more. Also, just as a side note, doesn’t it make all your pictures look a lot more beautiful and instagramable!
6. Technology
I am truly thankful for all the support I have received on my social media especially from people who don’t really know me and have never met me. Anyone who has tried to build a following and community online knows just how difficult it can be to get people to click the ‘like, love or share’ button.
I’ve watched my following grow slowly but surely and I’m truly thankful for the technology that allows us to connect despite the physical distant between us. I see each and every one of you who engagements with me and I’m honestly so grateful that you take time out of your busy day to support me. Thank you!
7. Hearing
I have been really challenged with my hearing over the past two years and can definitely tell that I’m not hearing as well as I used to. I’m constantly asking people to repeat things and I have to admit it is starting to get me down and is having a knock on effect on my confidence.
I’ve had my ears checked and it’s interesting because a specialist said that it’s not actually that I can’t hear, it’s more that I’m struggling to process what I’m hearing. I have found myself asking people to repeat what they’ve said and then realised that I did actually hear them the first time – strange!
Anyway, sometimes in life we take things for granted and never really appreciate what we have until it’s gone so I’m truly thankful that I can still hear the sound of raindrops, when loved ones speak and my favourite music.
Whatever health challenges you may face today, take a moment to be thankful for what is working because that may not be the case for someone else.
I hope this has inspired you to reflect more on your life and please leave a comment and share with me the things which you are thankful for. I would love to know!
