When We Are Grateful...

I have read quite a few entries into this week's Hive Ghana prompts, and we all seem to have two things in common: the things that happened to us that we don't like and the amazing things in our lives.

They say good and bad reside in this world, and at one point in time, every one of us will likely have our own fair share. How we handle these two is what defines us.

A few things have happened to me this year that nearly held me down. The top of the list was on April 29, the day we lost my only paternal aunt. At first, I didn't know how to react; I couldn't cry or even express any pain. Though she had been sick for a while, I never thought that the sickness would be the end of her until that day when I received the dreaded call that she was no more.

Many thoughts flooded my mind like a river with a strong current: the memories of what we shared, the thought of not seeing her ever again, and all the plans I had in store for her all gone forever unfulfilled. But then I don't know how to feel or express my pains. I'm just the type who sucks at expressing her pains, you know.

Throughout my journey to Abuja and during her burial arrangements, I was just numb.

Then again, an incident happened where my family lives presently that has bad effects on us; it made me question a lot of things and even question myself.

At some point I felt like I was drowning, and there was no help in sight until I learned to change the narrative.

First, I let it all out to God and stopped fighting all by myself, and I learned to accept the things I couldn't change, accepting my new realities and focusing on the things I could change instead of wasting my energy and thoughts on situations that were beyond my power.

And when this happens, I am reminded that for everything going on wrong in my life at any point, I have so much more to be grateful for. So much love to give and to receive. So many people love me and those I love that I can't afford to let them down.

One tricky thing about not being happy is that we focus so much on all the problems in our lives instead of shifting our attention to the good things we have.

Perhaps, if we can just tell our little mind to shift its attention to the positive side, we will be happier and more fulfilled. But then, sometimes this is easier said than done; it requires strong will of mind and being intentional about the things we give power to control us.

My big sister will always say, "What is done is done, what is gone is gone; let's focus on the things we can do now, let's focus on the things we have."

If I should tell you the things I'm grateful for right now, I will tell you I'm so grateful for being here, for standing tall, and for surviving every single thing that tried to break me and failed.

I'm grateful for great health, for being healthy is one thing I will never take for granted. I'm grateful for my family, for their love, and for them being hale and healthy.

I'm grateful for growth in all ramifications. I'm not where I used to be. I'm learning, relearning, adapting, and growing, and that is another thing I'm very proud of.

I'm grateful for Hive for the amazing souls that this blockchain has blessed me with. Thank you for being here and always cheering me on. Every comment we shared and every support you showed me means so much more to me than you can ever imagine.

Thank you for this space that has become our home. When we are grateful, focusing on the positive sides, regardless of our life situation, things are more likely to start working in our favor.

Thank you very much for your time and support, take care😊 and stay positive always.

All images are mine @funshee❣️🥰