Gratitude 2016

So, I am definitely late on the New Year's posting this year. In fact, it's been several years I think since I've posted anything. So much has happened in that time, I feel like I've become a completely new person. Without a total synopsis of what's happened in that time, I'll just skip right to my list and the reasons for shaking the dust off of what is, in my opinion, a very important custom.
2016 has started out with a bit of a whimper. After an amazing 2015, it's been bad luck since January 1st and I've been feeling a bit down. But it's dawned on me that if I was focusing more on my blessings and less on a few negative events, I'd probably be feeling a whole lot more positive. So without further ado, here are the 36 things I'm most grateful for in my 36th year of life, in no particular order.

1. My son, who continues to grow into a sweet, kind and thoughtful little human.
2. Having love in my life
3. My family
4. My Bahraini family, who have rallied around me through every tough patch I've been through the past 2 years. Thank you so much for supporting me.
5. My bestie in Spain, who gets me and never judges me.
6. Crossfit , which has truly changed my life.
7. Health insurance
8. My job, which allows me to live my amazing life
9. My driver's licence
10. Playdates
11. Company paid flights home this year
12. Snow-free winters
13. Technology that allows me to keep in touch with loved ones near and far
14. Full time child care and house help, without which I'd never make it as a single mom
15. Passing my DELTA on the first try
16. Getting stronger
17. Having a decent place to live
18. Money in the bank and food on our plates, even if resources run thin by the end of the month
19. Visa run trips, though inconvenient, which allow us mini getaways once in a while
20. Finding faith after a long absence
21. Mums in Bahrain
22. Yellow Submarine
23. Coffee
24. Arabic lessons
25. Burpees (what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, I hear)
26. Long holidays
27. My fitness and spiritual advisor (you know who you are)
28. Sunshine
29. Sunscreen (and sunglasses. And lip balm.)
30. Having an open mind and an open heart
31. Music
32. Life goals
33. Breakfast dates
34. Forgiveness
35. Hugs
36. Teamwork

This is not an exhaustive list, but rather the first 36 things that come to mind. It's helps to remind myself that I have so much to be thankful for, and to realise that life keeps moving forward, and love and faith will get us through anything.

Stay grateful.