Gratitude

Last Friday night, I watched the movie ‘Lion’ with Orly.  Being out on a movie date is something that we haven’t done in ages, and I am just glad we watched a film that is worthwhile. It was truly inspirational and moving, made us shed a tear – luckily I didn’t wear mascara!  I went home with a heavy heart, knowing that poverty and injustice are still rampant in our nation, but at the same time hopeful by the fact that despite the chaos around us, there are still people with big hearts, who consciously do their bit to make this world a better place, one act of kindness at a time. This movie made me count my blessings and contemplate on the things that have come my way the past year.

Two weeks ago, I was blessed to be able to celebrate my birthday just the way I wanted – a serene get-away near the beach with Orly, our boys, my parents who are visiting us for a few months and some friends who are close to my heart. All I wanted was to fill my eyes with the beauty of nature, have fun without worrying how each day will flow, get lost in good conversations, snuggle up with my boys, and be present to savour each moment, realising how precious and fleeting life is. That weekend was a gift and I am one happy forty-something lady!

Looking back at all that has been, all the good and not-so-happy memories over the past year, I would like to believe that I have received so many gifts, and I know that I have taken for granted some of the not-so-visible ones. Today, I attempted to spell them out and in the process I have been more mindful and grateful, joyful and appreciative, looking forward to receive more and to give more.

Love of family

I am blessed to be surrounded by people who love me unconditionally, who accept me for who I am and who inspire me to be the best version of me. They might not be all close to me physically, but our love, with the help of technology, bridges all distance.

Marriage

Some 2 decades ago, I made the biggest decision in my life and I am glad it was my best! Waking up each day right beside my best friend is a gift – more than enough reason to celebrate every time the sun rises.

Motherhood

It has defined me for the past 16 years, the choices that I make, the roads that I take, are heavily dependent on 2 wonderful beings that have been entrusted to us, and I wouldn’t change a thing!

Present Moment

Being present, right here, right now – this is a challenging task with all the distractions of daily life, but I wouldn’t get tired of reminding myself that life is precious. 9 months ago, I launched this blog with the hope of inspiring people to be more present and to celebrate life’s simple joys.  Writing this memoir makes me understand myself better, and I am just happy I pursued this project.

Friends

True friends are treasures and I keep them all in my heart. Each one of them is a blessing in my life. I had the priviledge to spend time with a number of them last year.

Health

Health is priceless, and as we age, we get to better realise how valuable it is. We, as a family, have started to be more cautious of our health and well-being and we aim to live better this year.

Job

I am grateful for the opportunity to grow while being able to help with our financial obligations

Serenity

There are times when all we need is time alone.  I draw inner peace from those serene moments when things become tough.

Generosity

I am a believer of paying it forward… of being ready to receive and to give.

Nature

How beautiful is God’s creation, and I wouldn’t get enough. Living in a wonderful place with such a magnificent landscape is a sweet treat!

Humour

I am a boring person, well most of the time, but I am glad to have spent some good times the past year, laughing my heart out, in the company of great friends who share my sense of humour. Who wouldn’t be grateful for a good laugh anyway?

Adventure

Every new opportunity is an adventure, no matter how small.  Trying a new hair style or colour, exploring a new fishing spot, starting a new hobby – I embrace each chance to explore an unfamiliar path, enriching the body, mind and spirit.

Memories

With technology, social media helps us share and store great memories of our lives, but I am most grateful for the memories that are stored in my heart and in my mind. Those moments that were not captured in a photo are most of the times the best ones. Some people who are dear to us have already gone before us, but the memories spent with them will forever be engraved in my heart.

Music

Music has been a huge part of me. God showered my husband and my boys musical talents and I cannot wait to see them in full bloom. For now, hearing them sing and playing an instrument is a wonderful privilege.

Time

Life is fleeting, it is slipping away, every minute, every second. I choose to spend it making memories with people who matter the most.

I am thankful for yet another great year, and I am looking forward to a lifetime of being truly alive.

“When each day is the same as the next, it’s because people fail to realise the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises.” – Paulo Coelho