Thankful Thursday ~ January 26 2023

 

THREE THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR

1) My Boss:
~ Since early 2020 we have had our own computers to work remotely from home. The last 6 months we've been on rotation between going into the office and working from home. Today a winter storm has hit the region. So, she sent us home before it got too bad. She also encouraged us to work from home the next day at our own discretion, depending on the weather. Things like that makes us more productive and  safe.

2) Social Media:
~ I've been working on this blog since 2012. It was mostly a hobby at first but I really want to grow my audience now. I'm learning to use social media along with editing apps to create content to boost more followers. I know it will take time. But I am happy to be able to play with all the options out there.

3) Tips of the Trade:
~ Keeping in line with the social media theme, I am also thankful for the tips and helpful hints people have given me and I'm really trying to stay motivated to publish blog posts once a week. On top of that, I plan to share on social media and gather like minded followers.

Have you thought about what you can be thankful for this year? What was the best part of your morning today? How many reasons can you think of to be grateful? Leave a comment and share so we can make Thankful Thursdays a regular thing for others too.

~ Namaste ~

oxo

Angélique

Thankful Thursday's ~ Post Thirteen

THREE THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR

1) New Car:
~ I am grateful for my new car! A Kia Forte, dark grey, 2022. It's a step up from hand me down cars that I am grateful for having had in my life as well. Having a safe, new vehicle is a blessing.

2) The Holiday Season:
~ I am grateful for the season change. Although I do not like the cold, I'm indulging in all the sights, smells and sounds that bring back memories of winter and xmas.

3) Learning New Skills:
~ I am most thankful for the universal education I seem to be getting in this life. I've started a certification course for work and I have noticed that my understanding of the job has increased immensely. It's  beautiful thing!

What are you thankful for? Can you think of at least three things? How bout just one? Comment and let me know what blessing you find in your life.

~ Namaste ~

oxo

Angélique

Thankful Thursdays ~ Post 11

THREE THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR

1) My Mum:
~ I am blessed to have such wonderfully loving and supportive parents. I've said it plenty of times. But today, I'm especially thankful that my mother is the woman I was gifted with. She is patient, strong and understanding. She leads by example and offers a helpful hand any time I need her. My mum gave me roots and wings to always remain grounded but to also let my spirit soar. She continues to teach me to stand tall and find courage in myself every day.

2) Having Patience:
~ I am exercising my patience muscles much lately. With myself, others and daily challenges. It's a hard truth to accept when you can't change things you greatly desire to. But I don't give up. I must remain patient and focussed on my personal goals to achieve my dreams. I have lots of time to smell the flowers as I follow the path to my plan.

3) Work Experience:
~ I am quite happy at my job. I am grateful that I have been working throughout the vast changes in the world this last year. I've worked with the same company for over eleven years now. I receive emails from recruiters through my linked-in profile about once a season. Though I have no intentions to leave my job, it's a wonderful feeling to see other companies are impressed in me. I've invested a lot of time in my career. It's good to know I have options. I've gained a great deal of confidence in myself whilst working remotely and I look forward to starting my work day most often. :)

~ Namaste ~

oxo

Angélique

Thankful Thursday ~ Post 10

THREE THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR

1) Comedians:
~ I am absolutely grateful for professional comedians who have kept me entertained throughout the last year. I've always liked good comic relief, but being alone for quarantine and working from home have turned comedy specials into my favourite pastime that keeps me company.

2) Delivery Services:
~ I admit I got swept up in the idea of going out into public being unsafe for a while this past year. Living with anxiety during a global pandemic can be difficult. But it can be a blessing too. I have been able to use the various services to get food delivered to my door when I was too anxious to be around strangers. I have always preferred to shop online and have it delivered. It's a wonderful convenience to get groceries and toiletries delivered now, as well.

3) The Weather Break:
~ It's March 11, and spring has already made an appearance here in southern Ontario. I don't know about you, but spring is my favourite time of the year! I am thankful for a break in the long, cold days and I look forward to seeing the neighbourhood in it's full lush bounty again!

~ Namaste ~

oxo

Angélique

Thankful Thursdays ~ Post Nine

THREE THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR

1) Remote Work:
~ I was blessed to be a part of the population who got set up to work remotely, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I was sent home at the end of March, 2020. At first, I didn't like the idea because I was nervous that I wouldn't work hard enough on my own. But that pay check certainly motivates me to do my best and push past the feelings of fatigue throughout the day. Dealing with anxiety is much easier in isolation. For me personally, anyway. It's lovely to be surrounded by my house plants and cats while I work from a safe place called home.

2) Positive Feedback:
~ I received a compliment for my hard work the other day. I was asked to take on another account on top of how busy I already am. I agreed and was pleasantly surprised when my manager said she was proud of me for stepping up. She acknowledged that I am doing a great job handling my work and dealing with the changes that have been happening. It felt great!

3) The Angels & Spirits:
~ I am aware of the energy that is around us outside of any physical form. I believe that the universe sends angels and spirits to guide us at all times. I am getting better at listening to the silence around me. I am learning how to interpret without analyzing. I accept the knowledge that triggers my gut to tell me what is and isn't truth. It is a special kind of magic I used to understand well, before I grew up. I am grateful to be reminded of their presence by subtle signs around me everywhere.

~ Namaste ~

oxo

Angélique

Thankful Thursdays ~ Post Eight

THREE THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR

1) Friends Near & Far:
~ I am always thankful for my friends (and family), but recently I've been reminded of how lucky I am to have people at my back. People who will fight for and with me. People who will listen, help me grow and change with the winds. I am thankful for my friends who live close and for the few friends who live away. Two things friends do best is tell it to you straight (especially when you don't wanna hear it) and cheer you up when you're down. That's what good friends are for. Laughter and love.

2) Second Chances:
~ I know I overreact. A lot of the time. It's something I'm working on. I'm quick to speak my mind without thinking twice, or three times, or four... When I'm really passionate or upset I become like thunder and lightning. I am thankful that the people I really care about, care enough about me to forgive and move on.

3) Letting Go Of Bad Habits:
~ I need to start meditating. I need to learn to manage my emotional triggers better. Everything just takes time. It takes time to fall apart. It takes time to realize it. And it takes time to put it all back together. But changing what you don't like about yourself takes a lifetime. Or, so it seems. I want to break the cycle of emotions that lead me into spirals of self doubt. I am thankful that the universe has it's way of telling me - it's time.

~ Namaste ~

oxo

Angélique

Thankful Thursdays ~ Post Seven

THREE THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR

1) Good Friends:
~ I am grateful for the wonderful friends (and family) in my life. This may be a regular thing for which I am thankful and will likely become a theme in future posts. However, it's a great truth to my character. Without certain people in my world I would give up on myself before even trying. The right people who truly care about you, motivate and listen to you. The people whom I let close to me nourish my mind and soul as much as they give my heart a safe place to expand.

2) The Day Shift:
~ I was finally granted the privilege of joining the day team at my place of work. It happened last spring, and it took me a long time to get into the groove because my adapted habit of being a day sleeper when I worked nights made it difficult for me to flip the switch. I just couldn't fall asleep for the first six months of working days so I was exhausted and making a lot of mistakes. I was also learning a whole new role so it was a really big change, but the best change ever! I am very teachable! I can do anything if someone shows me how. I seem to have found a circadian rhythm now, and I can balance my responsibilities.

3) Lunch Break Walk:
~ I started walking again on my lunch break. I used to do it regularly on the night shift, but lost my motivation because I didn't have a good winter jacket at the time. It gets dark faster in winter so I wouldn't walk during the colder season much. Now that I'm on days I take a break at one o'clock and I power-walk a moderate route in about twenty five minutes. It's a quick way to get my heat rate up and break a small sweat. When I get back to my desk, the rest of the afternoon flies by and then it's home time.


Are you thinking about the things that bring joy to your life? Do you focus on what lifts you up and guides you to the best version of yourself? Is there one thing in life you are grateful for... How bout three or five!? Leave a comment below and share with your friends. Let's start 2019 on a thankful train! :)

~ Namaste ~

OXO

Angélique

Thankful Thursdays ~ Post Six

*Photo Credit Unknown; Edited by Angélique Dawn*

THREE THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR

1) My cats:
~ I have two cats that are ten and eight years old. The best thing about my cats is they don't disturb my plants (knock on wood) and they are pretty easy going kitties... I am mostly thankful for my cats because they literally give me a daily dose of antidepressant. When I can't sleep, I get up and find a cat to snuggle -if they're not already in bed with me. Then I just reach out and touch them to calm my mind or soothe my soul. I honestly can't imagine life without my furry, purry girls. They make the best roommates!

2) Having enough food:
~ Truth be told, I sometimes take food for granted. I occasionally waste food because I forget about it in the fridge and it goes bad. I've been trying to be more careful with how I spend my money lately. So, instead of buying take-out or over purchasing fresh produce, I've been focusing on the foods in my pantry and freezer. Now, I am so very grateful for canned and frozen goodies. I make sure every year to donate food & toiletries when my work puts a few boxes together for the UPS canned good drive. I also pray that the whole world has enough food to eat.

3) Forgiveness:
~ I struggle every day to say the right thing. I get anxious and mix my sentences together and leave room for people to read between the lines. I react too quickly and I have hurt friends more often than I can count just because I was imperfect with my words. Then I get mad at myself and upset about the whole situation. Unfortunately, sometimes I don't see the big picture or consider how many people my words reach. But all I can really do is say, I'm sorry. I am grateful for the people who have accepted and forgiven me during those times. I am also thankful for the people I am able to forgive even when their words or actions hurt me. It's healthy to let it go.

Regardless of anyone's intentions hurt still happens. So forgive swiftly. Forgive unconditionally. And forgive often.

~ Namaste ~

OXO

Angélique

Thankful Thursdays ~ Post Five

THREE THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR

1) My Girlfriends:
~ I have a a small handful of close girlfriends. And two of them include my sisters! I also have two soul sisters. One whom I've been friends with since I was thirteen and another whom I'm been friends with since I was twenty. Now that I am older, I consider my mom a good friend, too. And my step mother is another girlfriend I've been blessed with. I am very, very thankful for these close women in my life.

2) The Kids In My Life:
~ I have a niece and nephews! But I'm also an aunty figure to my friends kids, and the cousins kids! I always admire the children in the group and I tend to gravitate toward them in social settings. I sort of act like a governess by keeping them all involved/entertained while casually monitoring their safety amongst each other. I do have a favourite (only) niece lol... I'm her godmother so we have a special bond. But she's kinda my best friend too! She's ten already. I am very thankful to be a part of her life. And I'm grateful for my nephews, and the kids connected through my extended family. They keep me grounded.

3) The Opportunity To Work Overtime:
~ I have a great job and one of the best things is the fact that there's often overtime available. Receiving extra money is a blessing. I spend about four hours a few nights a week processing stacks of paperwork and I get paid by the file. So when I have lots to do and I get into a good rhythm I can make a decent amount of extra cash. It helps pay for my hobbies. And it helps keep this blog running. So when you wonder what's going on if I don't post anything new for a while. Just know I'm working hard at my regular job taking care of business.


So here we are again. Just you and me and this positive moment. Let's keep it going. What are you thankful for? Comment with your reasons and share this post with your friends on social media! Thank You! :)

~ Namaste ~ 

OXO

Angélique

Thankful Thursdays ~ Post 4

*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

Thankful Thursdays ~ Post Three

Photo Credit: Michelle Séjourné, edited by Angélique Dawn

THREE THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR

1) Health Care:
~ I am ecstatically grateful for having health care. My company covers the basics, but also includes dental, paramedical practitioners such as massage, chiropractor, etc. and 90% of prescription costs! I don't like to take a lot of medication. I prefer to supplement with natural alternatives. But I am lucky to have the help to pay for the few scripts I do take on a regular basis that provide me with a better quality of life. It's a great benefit to have health insurance in today's world. Many people don't get treatment for the things they struggle with simply because they do not have the money required to pay obscene prices! Having health insurance that covers most of what would cost me out of my own pocket is a godsend.

2) Air Conditioning:
~ Oh My Goodness is it ever hot out there! And, brace yourselves, because the next few days call for a massive heat wave here in Southern Ontario. My air conditioner is about five years old, and designed for a small room. But I also have a bunch of fans to move the air around. I am very, very thankful to have even a little air conditioner giving me moderate relief from overheating. Since I'm a day sleeper (because I work afternoons & have disordered sleep patterns) the air conditioner and fans save me from having to sleep with my windows open for the breeze. It can get noisy outside during the day. And, the humidity here makes Windsor feel almost tropical... Whoever came up with the idea of heating/cooling, bless their souls!

3) Social Networks:
~ I truly wonder how people coped with the distance and time between contact with other loved ones and others whom they did business with hundreds of years ago. How lucky are we to have all this communication technology in our modern world?! I know it's problematic sometimes, because today's youth (and adults) certainly need limits over how much time they spend scrolling on their devices. But when you look at the big picture here, we are a tremendously rich society to be able to connect to our neighbours so far away. I for one know I don't reach out to my close friends and family members as often as I should. However, with social forums we are able to stay connected and aware of others lives even when we don't get the chance to do it in person.

So, this is week three of Thankful Thursdays. Did you sign up yet to follow along? Have I started you thinking more about what has graced your life instead of focussing on what you've missed out on? The deal is to try and find at least a few somethings every week to be grateful for. Thank the universe. Thank the stars! Thank what or whomever you believe in. Just give thanks for receiving what is good in your life. And more good will certainly come to you.

~ Namaste ~ 

OXO

Angélique

Thankful Thursdays ~ Post Two

THREE THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR

1) My Job:

~ I am forever thankful to my boss for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the company I work for. It's my first office job and I've been working there for almost seven years now. It's busy and hard, but also fun and rewarding. I work with some awesome people and we have potlucks almost every month! lol It's a nice place to work.

2) My Apartment:

~ I am lucky to live in such a charming and quiet apartment that is well maintained and worth every penny! Read This Post for a longer story of how cozy my home is! I really enjoy my independence and living in this wonderful neighbourhood lets me be free and relaxed too. Home is a feeling. And my place feels like home!

3) My Friends:

~ I've heard that if you can count the amount of friends you have on one hand then you're a rich person. I must be blessed with great fortune, because I have old friends, close friends and new friends and I'm very thankful for all of them. No matter how lonely I may sometimes feel I always have a few good friends I can count on.


What are you thankful for? Do you take the time to write down your blessings? I know I should write more, which is why I decided to add a theme of gratitude to the blog.

Let's focus on appreciating what we have here and now rather than wasting energy complaining about what we don't have. So, take your time. And write it down for yourself as often as you can think of something new. It might surprise you how big your list turns out to be.

I'm going to try to publish a Thankful Thursdays post every week. I want to share my reasons for being grateful no matter how big or small they might be. I hope you follow along and leave comments about the things you're thankful for too!

~ Namaste ~

OXO

Angélique

Thankful Thursdays ~ Post One

*Photo Credit: Chad Pelletier, edited by Angélique Dawn*

THREE THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR

1) My Blog:

~ I am thankful for the opportunity to start fresh with real attainable goals for the new year! I feel very lucky and blessed to have such a forum to be creative and share my hopes and dreams.

2) My Persistence:

~ I am thankful that I was able to figure out the proper URL for my bloglovin feed which I've connected to the social icons in my sidebar. This techy stuff is a lot of work for me because I am learning as I go. But the more I persist, the better I understand the things that have challenged me.

3) My Car/New Tires:

~ I am thankful that I have a car because it allows me to travel when and how I please. I recently replaced the tires which were quite old. It is winter here in lower Ontario so, I am especially thankful that I have a safe and reliable vehicle to get me where I need to go.


I am thankful for plenty more! But with each Thankful Thursdays post I will share just three things I am thankful for with a brief explanation of why. These posts are intended to be short and sweet. However, occasionally I may write longer explanations if there is some seriously wonderful happenings in my life.

I hope these Thankful Thursdays posts help you pause and think about the things in life you're thankful for too. If things are getting you down taking a moment to be thankful can often be the simplest way to cheer yourself up. It's a good reminder that the universe is on your side. There is always some thing to be thankful for...

~ Namaste ~

OXO

Angélique