When was the last time you stopped and smelled the roses? If you don't remember, join me in taking a break from the busyness of life to appreciate how lucky we are to be alive right now.
I was tagged by my friend Andi on a blog post she wrote where she counted the things she is grateful for. Practicing gratefulness truly brings personal joy and encourages others.
As I write this, we are in the middle of 2020 and a pandemic. My side of the world has been placed back to community quarantine, which admittedly threw me off. It messed up my schedule, prevented me from running personal errands, and made accessing funds a bit challenging.
In spite of those, there are many, many things to be grateful for. Choosing to look beyond the minor inconveniences of life lets you appreciate the little things and the bigger picture.
Good Health
I am grateful that I and my family are in a good place right now, health-wise.
After my dad's hospitalization a couple of years ago, I have been mindful of my personal heath and my loved ones' as well. But now that I'm actually living through a global pandemic, I have put a premium on maintaining good health.
It's not convenient nor cheap to get sick these days, especially where I am residing at. That's why I really try to take care of myself as much as I can.
I also recognize that some things are beyond my control, and so I rest in the assurance that I can rely on God to keep us safe.
My Job
I am grateful to have a job that pays the bills and helps me save.
Early this year, just before the lockdown period began, the blog-writing service I worked with was unexpectedly shut down. A few months later, other colleagues of mine lost their jobs due to a company cost-cutting.
No matter how burdensome my workload gets, I always remind myself of the truth that having a job is a blessing.
When I do my job well, I don't just earn money. I also help my clients improve their business and resolve their customers' concerns. That motivates me to give it my best shot each day.
Free Time
One of the good things brought about by the lockdown is free time. And for this, I am truly grateful.
I realized that because huge chunks of my day are spent on work, personal responsibilities, and time-wasting activities, I felt like I didn't have the time to slow down. When forced to stay at home, I suddenly found myself with more time than I was used to.
So in the past couple of months I've developed an exercise habit, tried my hand at mobile video editing, and started a blog. I've also spent time in prayer and writing on my journal.
All these are activities I never used to be able to do on a regular basis, so I cherish now how much they refreshed my life in quarantine.
My Support System
I am always, always grateful to have a strong support system.
It's such a blessing to have people in my life whom I can count on. My folks help me weigh in on big life decisions. My friends are one instant message away for catch ups and good laughs. I belong to a life group with people whom I care about and who look after me as well.
I can be myself around the people I love and not get judged for it. I am damn lucky indeed.
My Spouse
If there is one great person this year has given me, it is my spouse. I am so grateful to be married to my person.
If you marry someone good-looking, life-smart, generous, kind, and whom you share your sense of humor with, I'd say you're #blessed. I got lucky myself because my spouse is all those things.
But what I am most grateful for is how my partner encourages that we pray together. When we happen to talk about our concerns, we often end our conversation in prayer. 'Cause there's nothing more comforting than pouring out and entrusting all our worries to Jesus.
Times are tough, but I'm weathering the storms of life with someone who's committed to do the same with me.
Now it's your turn. Who and what are you grateful for?
Don't forget to slow down from time to time so you can stop and smell the roses!
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