Gratitude

Twelve months ago, I sat down at home in front of a notepad to write my goals for the coming year. It’s an annual exercise of mine - a ritual, really - to consider what I have and want. The very top of my list, circled and underlined in blue ballpoint pen, read: “One is a miracle, two is a dream, and three is a bonus.”

The 2019 French Open had seemed a miracle, while 2021 at Wimbledon was a dream, and the 2022 Australian Open? Well, that became the ultimate bonus.

I’ve since had time to reflect on my final summer in professional tennis, and how grateful I am for how those months unfolded. But truthfully, when I think more deeply about what gratitude means to me, drop shots and backhands and trophies and awards are the last things that come to mind.?

I think instead of my family, and the closeness we enjoy, and the weird and wacky, dysfunctional and intensely loyal way we have each other’s backs. I think of my mates - a small group but a damn tight one - and how our relationships never change no matter where I am in the world, and how we always settle back into our groove so seamlessly, each of us acting as a sounding board and cheer squad for the other.

I’m grateful for the holidays, and those get-togethers that draw everyone near in these awkward, raucous encounters under one roof. We’re in that moment now - half celebration, half recalibration - when we consider how our resolutions and promises change and grow with time, but how you’re always most thankful for the little things.

I had a moment last week, just on sunset, that I’m as fond of as any other this year. I was at home, walking barefoot on the lawn with the dogs. They were happily yapping, while I felt each blade of grass between my toes, and the sky turned orange gold.

I was tempted to take a photo and text it to a friend, but I didn’t. I decided instead to just sit within those minutes as the clouds changed colour, feeling present and content and appreciative of a simple, timeless gift. “I’ve got everything that I need,” I thought to myself, “in this moment right now.”