Gratitude - a wonder drug!

Hello everyone,

Today I'm taking some time to slow down and to be grateful for the things in my life. My family has been so supportive throughout my recovery... my mom she cares for me in little ways, my dad tries to understands me even though i know it must be hard and he also takes time to listen to me. In the ED, having a simple meal with my family was such a difficult thing..and at that time, I thought things could never change! But after over a long time, they did, and I have meals with them regularly without having food thoughts. I'm able to concentrate on the conversations, or enjoying how the food tastes. I learnt to choose foods which I enjoyed and was comfortable with, easy for digestion and healthy choices which kept me energised for the rest of the day. I see food as fuel for my brain and the rest of my body.

Friendships which I used to treasure very much but in ED I avoided my friends or was never really myself with them. I still find reaching out to people v challenging but it's a good reminder to me that people are so important!! It's my best friend's birthday on Friday and her boyfriend is planning a surprise party for her and I'm going to be part of it. We have been friends for 10 years now and I can't wait to celebrate it with her. I'm excited to buy her a present and to write her a card..just to see her happy and living her life well is such a blessing! I'm also thankful to know that my ex boyfriend has moved on. It was painful at first but knowing that he is happy and well cared for makes me happy too. And I believe all things work out for the best somehow.

Other small things like seeing patients recover- i'm in the ICU at the moment and it is kind of like a point between life and death and its such a good reminder to me to be thankful to be alive. Enjoying a small piece of dark chocolate, knowing that God is always with me, silence and enjoying solitude.. people in marino who are such an inspiration (take it personally everybody!), forgiveness, second chances, sunshine, smiles, laughter, music...having bad experiences so that i can enjoy the good experiences..

Gratitude is such a gift!!!!

Love,

Chelsea