N.b. more problems with WordPress, so this is being posted super, super, super, like at least 2 months late!
Wow, so it’s been about 10 days since I started recording what I’m grateful for each day. I have to say I was sceptical that it would make a difference to my state of mind. However, it has been remarkable. There have been some days when I’ve had to work really hard to think of what to write but there have also been days when events have made me feel instantly grateful.
So, here’s my list:
Count My Blessings
Daffodils that are still in full bloom
Dry weather for my kids to play outside
Laminate flooring that makes cleaning up messes so much easier
Bright blue skies
Stephen helping with getting ready to go to West Wales
My cardigan (it’s colder than I expected today)
Exchanging ideas with my sister in law
Morning hugs with the kids
Text messages that make me smile
Country air (vaguely smells of chicken poop
Being reminded to pray by my 6-year-old
Dairy free waffles
Driving home late and seeing the sky gradually change colour.
My migraine finally going
My kids playing together nicely
Music in all shapes and forms
Birds singing at sunset
Seeing owls and hawks at The Owl Sanctuary
Fry’s chocolate cream bars
Being taught about service by my 8 year old
Mental space enough to give me more physical energy to get stuff done
The words “I’m sorry”
Hugs that make everything feel better.
Taking the sacrament and really paying attention to how it makes me feel (grateful and like I want to be better)
Cardboard boxes (hours of fun)
Medicine
Comfy clothes
Watching my kids build friendships
The mildest April I’ve ever known
Grandad Bob
Doctors that show they care
Stephen getting the kids ready for school this morning so I could recover from a sleepless night
Friends who can relate when you’re having a moan
Answered prayers
Looking back through that list, I suddenly asked the question: had I not written these down, would these blessings have gone unnoticed?
There’s a hymn we sing at church, the first verse of which, keeps repeating in my head:
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost.
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
It really has surprised me! It’s surprised me how much goodness there is in my life; it’s incredible really. Sometimes life feels so overwhelming and tumultuous; it’s been quite a grounding and calming experience to look at the positive in my life. I know it’s not enough on its own but, like I said before, a multi faceted approach is the way forward for me.
Update on my meds: I visited the doctor this morning to review how the past month has gone. I told her that my depression has been much better but I am still awake every night with anxiety. I also told her that I’ve been having really bad migraines and she suggested I take my tablets with a meal, to slow down their absorption. So I’m hoping things will improve on that front.
Additional update: I took my doctor’s advice and migraines have gone! So people, if you’re suffering side effects, check with your gp that you’re taking your meds at the optimum time of day. Also, I haven’t been awake in the night with anxiety for at least 1 month!
I’m going to carry on with counting my blessings. Has anyone else tried this? What has your experience been?
As always, please share your thoughts and feelings below. However, if you ever want to contact me privately, email me: ellice.miles@asliceofreality.co.uk