Thankful Thursday # 11

I can't believe it's this time of the week again. Not that I'm complaining, I love my weekly day of gratitude, I just can't understand where time is going... Anyway here we are and it's time to get thankful!

1. My family. This hasn't been an item in a while, partly because I live so far away from them and we interact so little that it's all too easy to forget to mention them here. We've lived through some really hard times but over the years (especially this year) I've come to realise how important my family is to the person I am today. All things considered they've been a lot more supportive of this new adventure of mine than I could've expected. When your dad pulls an all-nighter to drive you to the airport at 4am and hugs you goodbye with a smile (even though you've caught him tear up when you were in line for the check in) you know you have a reason to be thankful.
2. My boyfriend. These past couple of weeks we've been apart and I don't think I went a moment without his support. I'm extraordinarily lucky to have someone by my side that is so understanding and supportive. He encourages me to be better and better and he has my back whenever the Universe decides to pull the rug from under my feet.
3. Sunny days in the UK. I just got back from Portugal, where it's nice and sunny and I was having such a nice time I didn't want to come back to the Midlands. So waking up to a sunny day is the best way to get back on track and fall in love with my adopted country again. Thank you, weather gods, you've done good today!
4. The Lisbon book fair. I used to go every single year and have only missed the last three due to living abroad and never being in Lisbon during the fair. For everyone in the Midlands, imagine the German Christmas market but with good weather and books. It's been expertly organised, with little stalls of traditional food turned fancy, lots of places to sit and chill in the shade, events and activities and... cheaper books! What's not to love. I went a bit crazy (having been deprived of the experience for three years!) and got myself 12 new babies to read. Result!
5. Keeping myself busy. When you're out of a job it's massively important to stay busy. If I didn't I'd end up not getting out of bed by the third day. Last time I was unemployed I had to come up with a system to stay busy and on top of things at all times, so now it feels like slipping an old familiar glove in your hand. I know when I get up, what time I go to bed and what my goals and plans are for the in between times. And boy does this help!
6. My impromptu holiday in Portugal. I know I'm still a bit zonked and massively missing my country and family, but it was exactly what I needed to set me right for this new (and hopefully brief) chapter of my life. I've been with the people I love, I grieved the loss of something truly great and I've matured my plans for the future. And now onwards with my life! See you next week, everyone!