Gratitude Today

Today I do not feel inspired to write at all. I have flicked through The Writer’s Block and nothing is jumping out at me and I have even delved into the depths of my computer hard drive and opened unfinished pieces of writing from the last 10 years... None of it has piqued my inspiration.

And so today I'm writing a gratitude list. Every book I have ever read about life or how to live it better suggests doing this daily and a grateful heart is a powerful thing, as I previously mentioned in another post for The 100 Day Project.

My Gratitude Today

I am grateful for my parents, who have supported me in everything I have ever wanted to do. Who know when to question me, when to soothe me and when to leave me alone. I am especially grateful for the conversations we have now I am an adult; I cherish those conversations and sometimes feel joy to the point of tears whilst having them.

And my siblings who are the only people that shared my upbringing and who have all taught me different things about being human. My quiet, kind, elder-younger sister, who has the patience of a saint and the stubborn nature of an ass. Who has stood by me and looked after me when I’ve got myself into stupid situations, always willing to help and never needing the limelight.

And my middle younger sister who was born “special” and has taught everyone around her so much. She has made me feel at my most angry and upset and embarrassed and ashamed over the years, but I am grateful for it all. Now she has inspired a novel, the writing of which is taking me on a personal journey.

My little brother is at his best one of the most charismatic people I know. He is brave and thoughtful and brash and funny. We could talk for hours even though sometimes our differences in opinion cause me to have to physically walk away from a conversation.

I am grateful for my peer-group friends, old and newer. Mostly women, but some men who have seen every side of me and loved it. Laughter to the point that I have lost control of my bladder, long conversations, short conversations, introspective conversations, sad conversations. Tears, some that are so good. Soul-buzzing sunny holidays and long car journeys and rainy days in the pub, where I don't stop smiling. Arguments and shouting on occasion which can sometimes feel even better because they make you realise how well you know each other and the sunshine after a storm is even better.  The ones that ask for my advice because they really want it and I give it to them from my heart with no ego involved. I love that they make me feel so comfortable that I do this.

And hundreds of other older friends and family friends and relatives, all who give me something. Many who I could talk to for hours.

I am grateful for books, that I am lucky enough to be able to read them. I am grateful for the things they have taught me and continue to teach me and that they will always be my solace.

I am grateful that I have a body that works and is healthy, even though I don’t think it is perfect. I am also thankful that I have recently discovered yoga, as I believe this has changed my attitude towards my body.

I am grateful for the many places I have visited. For sunshine, for mountains, for green. For the power of natural beauty and the secrets and history of cities. I am grateful for the places I have lived, for London, for Surrey, New York, Hong Kong, Canada and Newcastle. Also for the places I have not yet been which keep me enthralled with the world.

I am grateful for the sensory pleasures in life that I am lucky enough to be able to experience every day. The taste of good food, the warmth of wine, bed, flowers, candles, baths, music... all the music.

I am grateful to all the relationships and lovers I have had, for they have all taught me something, even if it is what I don’t want.

I am grateful to be discovering spirituality and my beliefs.

I am so thankful for my house and my comfortable living situation. I love the beautiful things in it.

I am grateful for theatre and art and all forms of other people’s expressions and observations of the world.

I am grateful that I loved school.

I am grateful that I can choose what to do with my day.

I am grateful that I do not live in an environment of fear or a country where I have no voice.

I am thankful for social media and online communities, because they show me even more of the world and introduce me to wonderfully creative people.

I am grateful that I can write this...

And many more things.