Gratitude

I know that it is common to hear people this time of year saying to others what they are thankful for. It happens so much during the holiday season, and then in my experience with people I know it slips back in the corners of our minds until the next holiday. I will be the first to admit I do it too. This is the one thing that I am intentionally focusing on, is to everyday spend time writing out things I appreciate, value or am thankful for. It is hard sometimes, to be quite honest, and sometimes I just am not in the mood to do it. I think however, it is at these times I need it the most. I need to be able to look back and reflect on things that matter the most. It is these things, people, places, that help make life meaningful.
So, for today at least here are some things that I am truly thankful for:

My new job as a Peer Support Specialist. I get to walk alongside some of the most amazing people as they work on their recovery journey. Whether it be recovery from an addiction, or mental health challenge, eating disorder or other form of self harm, or any combination of the above.
I am thankful for my coworkers and my supervisor who have all been amazing helping me transition from a consumer to working. I am thankful that I am able to work with an agency who truly believes in peer support.
I AM THANKFUL FOR MY NIECES AND NEPHEWS WHO BRING SO MUCH JOY INTO MY LIFE. THEY MAKE ME LAUGH, AND CRY, I GET ANGRY AND FRUSTRATED AND THEY TEST MY PATIENCE SOMETIMES, BUT I LEARN SO MUCH ABOUT LIFE AND MYSELF THROUGH THEM.
I am incredibly thankful for my mother and that she is on the mend of recovery from severe kidney problems. I am thankful for the strong woman that she is and who she has taught me to be.
I AM THANKFUL FOR MY SISTERS. I KNOW THAT WE DO NOT GET ALONG ALL THAT OFTEN BUT WE HAVE ALL BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH TOGETHER.
I am thankful for a place to live, heat to keep warm, food to eat, a shower to get and stay clean. I am thankful I have a vehicle to get me to and from work.
I AM THANKFUL FOR MY DOCTOR, PSYCHIATRIST, NUTRITIONIST AND THERAPIST. THEY HAVE ALL HELPED ME TO CONTINUE TO STRIVE TOWARDS BEING HAPPY AND HEALTHY.
I am thankful for my amazing friends who have allowed me to tear down some walls and just be myself with them. And they accept me for who I am, without trying to force me to change. But also challenge me to be a better me.

I could probably continue, but I am going to take some "Me" time before going to bed.