*Photo Credit: Natalie Kelly, edited by Angélique Dawn*
THREE THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR
1) My Parents:
~ I am so very thankful for my parents. All of them! Both my parents remarried so I technically have four parents. Plus, an ex step-father! I keep in contact with him. But he lives overseas now so we haven't visited much in the last fifteen years.
My mum recently told me that if I ever need her to come down to Windsor, she gladly will. I've always known I can count on her. But it's a cozy feeling to be reminded that my mummy loves me so much, she'd drop everything just to come hold my hand. I am very thankful for the relationship that's grown between us. She is a super woman in my eyes. Though she says she's just human. I consider her girlfriend to be one of my step mothers. They've been together for twenty years. So she's been a staple in my life and I've learned a lot from her. She always has an answer for my random questions.
My dad lives here so we're close! And he's the greatest guy! He's my main comfort, the person I want when I'm sick. I lived with him during my teen years, so he comforted me throughout many heartbreaks... He has listened to me ramble on and on since I started talking. And he's never discouraged my "stream of consciousness." My step mom, aka ma has been a great blessing since she first came into my life. I was in my early teens when she and my dad started dating. And, she immediately became my friend and confidant. I still go to her when I need to talk about things I'm not ready to tell my parents. She's just cool like that.
2) My Boss:
~ I am super thankful for my boss! Seven years ago she was a patron in the bar I was working at and I mentioned to her I was looking for a regular job. She offered to give me a reference and send out my resume to other companies on my behalf. A short while later, when a spot opened up on the afternoon shift at her office, she called me in. I have always been grateful for her generosity and kindness. And the fact that I can speak to her openly. I want to make her proud. So I keep setting new goals and I work hard to be successful in both my career and personal life.
3) CBT & VON Canada:
~ I am thankful for the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy that is available to me. About a year ago I asked my doctor to send me to a pain specialist because the fibromyalgia pain was really getting me down. I'm exhausted and achy all the time. Mixed with depression that can be problematic. Rather than seeing a new doctor/specialist, I was set up with the Windsor location of VON Canada. The staff assessed my situation and gave both me and my doctor feedback regarding medicine, treatment, etc. They also gave me some old and new advice that I do appreciate.
But that wasn't the end of my relationship with the awesome staff at the VON center. They offer group activities and programs to assist people with chronic pain. They come to you if you're immobile. They also offer one on one sessions with a social worker who specializes in CBT. I've been seeing him for about three months now. He gives me articles to read and homework to complete for our next session. Aside from having to do homework lol, I find that the appointments have been very helpful and I'm learning to manage pain and stress much better than I used to. Perception is everything!
So, what are you thankful for? Was the weather especially nice for the season? Did a stranger smile at you on the subway? Maybe you saw a falling star!? I hope you made a wish. Leave a comment below and share with your friends! :)
~ Namaste ~
OXO
Angélique
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