As America settles down to enjoy its Thanksgiving celebrations, it seemed like an appropriate time to stop and take a look around at the things in my life that I’m grateful for.
It’s definitely something I’ve tried to do more often over the last few months, as it’s so easy to get caught up in the negatives and completely overlook the good things that happen around us every day.
So right now, I’m thankful for:
1. My husband
Most of all I’m grateful to be married to someone that I love and who is also my best friend. I’m grateful for all the silly moments we share, and all the in-jokes and memories that have grown over the 13 plus years that we’ve been together.
I’m thankful for the way my husband looks at me, because he sees me in a way I never see myself. He tells me how special I am and he’s so incredibly supportive of my desire to write, never complaining when I shut myself away with the laptop and ignore him completely.
He’s the best thing in my life and I’m so grateful for his presence every single day.
2. Travel
This year I’ve had some amazing trips; I feel so lucky to have enjoyed some amazing experiences. From staying in a treehouse in the beautiful Welsh countryside to wandering the streets of Venice, this year I’ve made some truly special memories that I’ll always treasure.
3. A new job
I’ve just started a new job and so far it’s been an intense couple of weeks meeting new people and learning new things. Getting this job felt like an achievement and its strengthened the sense that’s been building in me recently that life is starting to come together.
I’m finally a grown up!
4. Lazy winter days
Recently I’ve spent a good bit of time curled up under a blanket, with the fire on and a book in my hand. This has to be my absolute favourite way to spend a quiet afternoon and the cold weather only emphasises that.
5. New clothes
I’m a terrible shopper and over the last few years I’ve struggled with buying new clothes. I tend to order half a dozen things from ASOS, then they arrive and the fit is terrible or they don’t suit me so I send everything back.
As a result, my wardrobe was starting to look a bit faded.
But after a few trips out, I’ve found some really lovely new pieces and it’s put a little spring in my step. New clothes feel a bit special and I’ve enjoyed wearing different things. And not to get all fashion blogger, but there are some gorgeous autumnal colours in the shops at the moment!
6. The prospect of more theatre
My new job is in a local arts centre so I’m excited at the prospect of spending more time in the theatre and enjoying gigs. Plus it’s great to just be in that atmosphere all day, discussing ideas and other people’s creative projects.
7. Christmas holidays
I’ve got a couple of weeks off work in December for the holidays and I’m really looking forward to just lying around at home, reading, pottering and generally relaxing. Most of my annual leave this year has been taken up with trips, which is amazing, but sometimes you just really want to enjoy some down time with no pressure to go anywhere, or do anything.
And it might even snow!
8. Finishing the latest draft of my novel
The last draft was definitely the hardest and it was a long slog. I spent over four months rewriting around a third of my novel from the perspective of a different character, trying to add depth to the narrative.
Now that I’ve read through the manuscript, I feel pretty positive about the changes, but making them was a painful process and I spent a lot of time wondering why I was flogging myself so hard and if it would be worth it in the end.
9. Holmes is back
This year I’ve cut way back on the amount of TV I watch, but I still make time for the excellent Elementary. So I’m really excited that the news series has just landed in the UK – even more so since it introduces the brilliant John Noble from Fringe as Sherlock’s father.
10. Enjoying naughty food
Now that winter is here I’m craving stodgy foods: big bags of crisps, roast potatoes, stews, gravy and cheese, lots of cheese!
So I’ve relaxed the healthy diet a little and allowed myself a few treats. Nothing crazy, but sometimes you just need to tuck into some calorie laden food without allowing the guilt to creep in. All those chunky winter clothes will come in handy now!
What are you feeling thankful for this year?