It is the end of the year and I am torn between doing a wrap up post and mentioning only things that happened in December.
The wrap up won over because December IS a time for reflection and we do tend to think back-and of course, forward.
So if my post is a bit half-hazard, please bear with me. I just decided to free write as the words flowed. I will try and keep it short by setting a timer.
While the year gone by has had its ups and downs, as usual, I am focusing on the lessons learned and the good things. When we focus on the good things, more will follow. Most of the time! Also, I am open to abundance. Way better than wasting precious energy feeling bad!
Joy
Son is at home for his end-semester break and will return in a couple of days. I cannot describe the joy of his presence. While he has work to do and we had to skip our usual outings, we are nevertheless making the most of his visit by enjoying cooking, good food, watching our favorite shows, walking together, and long conversations. What more could one want?
Work
In spite of ongoing technology woes, I've somehow managed to build a working relationship with technology-pretty much like many other relationships in my life. I did get work done. And best of all, this constant living on the edge with my computers has helped me manage my work time better, odd as that sounds.
I love my clients. What more can I say? I do what I love and love what I do. Grateful for work that allows me work from the comfort of my home and gives me flexibility to do other things I enjoy.
Blogging
Yes, I love blogging. And while I am more social now than when I started thanks to social media, my style has not really changed much. I continue to write for the sheer joy of it.
Grateful for the rewards via sponsored posts allowing me to make a difference to support welfare homes in my area and beyond.
This year I started the Wednesday Wisdom series and I really enjoy writing those posts - and I am grateful for the wonderful comments on some. Especially, thankful hugs to Darla Sands for her loving comments.
Shilpa Garg and Debbie Doglady for sharing all my posts.
Gary for his humor, kindness and for sharing my posts.
My Triberr communities for their constant support.
My Facebook support group since 2012.
Relationships
My offline relationships are much stronger than my online ones, probably because I do spend a lot of time offline. To this end, my eternal gratitude goes to my schoolmates, my apartment community, my childhood friends and the loving bonds I've formed during my life on earth.
Of exceptional note is Vanita Cyril, my sister-mentor. Our souls met the moment we connected and remain irrevocably enmeshed. I am grateful to her for always standing by me, supporting me and well, putting up with me.
Special gratitude to the kid I've watched growing up into an amazing adult who now runs a successful family business . . . who always, always comes to my tough shopping rescue-he's literally a magician when it comes to making things happen.
Special thanks to Mr.Praveen of Matrikas for helping me keep my year organized with their fabulous desk planner. I've been using these for years. This year I also got a beautiful bullet journal just for fun. I have been following the system in a square ruled spirally bound book for as long as I can remember, but thought why not be posh this year! I plan to write a separate post about bullet journalling, please stay tuned.
Thank you Sreesha for your presence in my life this year. Good times, and looking forward to more. Who knew a passion for Andhra meals and window shopping would lead to many more shared interests!
Fitness
My early morning walks continue to be great until my walking buddy moved. Since my son's in town, we're walking in the evening and boy, I am covering some crazy distances. All good. When he returns to campus in a couple of days, I plan to return to the early morning routine. Because exercise is a non-negotiable for diabetes. Grateful to have walking companions and good conversations and also, our lovely area that's great to walk in.
Kindness
Ryan Biddulph mentioned me in his post on Christmas day - and it was like a Christmas present because of the context. I started reading Ryan's blog around the time he started blogging which is years and years ago and it is always amazing to see someone so focused, so cheerful, so consistent. His accomplishments are legen(wait-for-it)dary. Please do visit him to get inspired.
Emails from non-bloggers who subscribe to my blog filled my heart with happiness. That's what makes writing so fulfilling. I've received long appreciative responses from readers to specific posts, sharing their own experiences. Grateful to make a difference. If I am able to touch even one heart, I think my work is meaningful.
Accolades
Features in the "top ten lists" on websites picking this blog and also my health blog among the millions online - what a wonderful feeling to be noticed!
Talking of featured, I have been nominated for the Asian Fitness and Wellness Blogs 2018 Awards.
Please click the image below to vote for me! If there is any prize money involved, it will go towards supporting the education of one child for a year. Thank you!
Making a difference
Grateful to contribute to welfare homes towards food and medicine, children's education, homes for the elderly and schools for the blind. I also do what I can when I meet someone who is in need-cash and non-cash. Gratitude to my Mom for inculcating this attitude in me and also showing me by constant example.
This gratitude list is far from complete, but if I had to list everything, I'd have to write a series of books.
So, I wrap up...
...feeling grateful to enjoy hosting the Gratitude Circle blog hop every month.
My heartfelt thanks to those who link up. I still don't know some of you since you don't comment after you link up, but then you know what they say= the world is full of friends we haven't met.... YET. I am happy for your presence here in celebrating gratitude.
Welcome to the December 2018 Gratitude Circle blog hop.Write your post, grab the badge and add your post link to the linky below.
I appreciate your kindness is linking to my post.
