Being thankful

The last few weeks have been among the most turbulent of our time. We have seen personal freedoms restricted to a level I have not experienced much of which has jarred. However, as my colleague May Wah Chan recently posted it also provides an opportunity to think about the things for which you are thankful. So here are some of the things that I have been feeling particularly thankful for recently:

• My younger sister getting married in February and going on honeymoon in March. Unfortunately, she was ill last year which meant she had to postpone her original wedding plans. We were lucky in many many ways.
• Spending time with my 3.5 year old son. This is a chance to see him grow and develop in a way that would not usually be possible.
• The fact that both my wife and I can work from home without too much disruption. So much more fortunate than most.
• Easter egg hunts – the gift that keeps giving.
• Daily family walks and the opportunity to explore (very) local areas we would not usually get the time or chance to.
• The beautiful spring weather – blue skies and starlit nights. Spectacular.
• The fact that I can hear birds singing rather than cars on the road.
• Being fortunate enough to have a garden and space.        
• The opportunity to enjoy breakfast as a family rather than having to rush to get a train, or make a drop-off to either nursery or grandparents.
• My horrible habit of hoarding unread books – very useful right now!
• The wonderful NHS. I have a debt to them I can never repay and yet again those courageous, hard working wonderful people are rising to challenges. The greatest piece of social legislation ever, which meant I won the postcode lottery at birth.
• Spending more time with family and friends. Whilst this has been through video calls and message groups I’ve seen more of a number of my friends and family as everyone is making an effort that logistics often prevent
• My neighbours. One left a bike out for our son, another delivered plants from a local nursery that can no longer sell them. Mostly, the guy in the balcony whom I have never spoken to but waves frantically and claps with gusto at 8pm on a Thursday when we applaud our wonderful key workers bringing joy.
• Wine delivery businesses
• Out of date flour that makes a wonderful make-shift sandpit!
• Paw Patrol and musicals. A welcome distraction that allows work to get done!

In summary, there are many things for which I am thankful. Maybe most of all is the fact that I have all of the above to be thankful for and most importantly my family and loved ones have their health.

What are you thankful for at the minute?

Stay safe. Be kind. Be thankful. Just be.