A Quick Gratitude Check-in

For a long time, it felt like happiness and peace would only be possible once I had a new romantic partner. I still don’t have one. And yet, life has been really, really good lately. 

Maybe it’s just the weather or maybe I’m finally reaping the rewards of focusing on building a life that I enjoy and that works for me. Who knows. 

Either way, I’ve been the happiest and most content version of myself in a while. So, to honor that, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the things that are contributing to a beautiful life for me right now. 

1. My Family

I’m so lucky to be close to my family. They have always been supportive, loving, and fun to be around. From long chats on my walk home from work with my brother or cousin to cottage weekends with my parents, I’m grateful to be able to call my close family “mine.”

2. My Friends

I’ve worked hard at becoming someone who is “good” at connecting with people. As a result, over the last few years I’ve found myself with more friends than I can reasonably maintain relationships with. 

But despite consistently being surrounded by people, many of my closest relationships over the years have been with people that weren’t necessarily my people. Many of them didn’t feel like home and didn’t help with nervous system regulation. 

This year, I changed that. I made an effort to put time and effort into the people that fill my cup. It was hard to let some close friendships go, but I now have a group of solid people that are reliable, fun, and inspiring. 

3. My Fitness

Over the last year, I’ve taken my fitness training to the next level. In October, I crushed a half marathon and plan on running another one this year. I also signed up for Hyrox, an intimidating competition that focuses on building functional strength and endurance. 

I’m so proud of the progress I’ve made in the gym. I hit both of the fitness goals I set for myself this year (doing 1 pull-up and deadlifting 200 pounds) by July. The body’s power is incredible, and I’m excited to continue building on mine.

4. My Work 

I wouldn’t say that I have my “dream job” by any stretch. But what I do have is a job that pays the bills and gives me enough flexibility on the side to do what I love—read and write, workout, see friends and family. How amazing is that? 

And even though that dream job isn’t mine right now, I am continuing to work towards it every single day. I have my work “north star,” which I also feel incredibly grateful to have located after years of stumbling somewhat blindly through the career world. 

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There are a trillion other things—a beautiful home, a loving dog, nutritious food—that are adding to a full and stunning life for me right now. But these are the biggies—the ones I need to remind myself of when times are hard. 

Life is good when you look on the bright side, baby.