GRATEFUL

Sometimes life goes by so quickly that we can forget to stop and smell the roses.

I know for one, I am a go, go, go person and sometimes don't stop to appreciate the little things that I am so grateful for in my life.

And grateful is an understatement - there are so many things in my life that I can be thankful for and thought I might list just a small select few that make me who I am today and why I am so lucky.

1. I am so grateful for the way I was bought up in such a loving family - I am grateful for the education that my parents put me through and the care and attention that went toward my mum and dad ensuring that we could follow our passions such as sports we love - for me that included Ballroom Dancing. For years on end my parents endured long drives to ensure I was at dance training every day and also any sports on Saturdays and Sundays. I thank them for this and am forever grateful.

2. I am so grateful for all of my past experiences whether they be bad or good. These past experiences have made me who I am today and have made me such a strong person in order for me to be able to deal with whatever is thrown my way. Had it not been for some crappy experiences or some great experiences I would not know what I do now. I am forever going to be learning, growing and maturing and I love the fact that everyday is a new opportunity for me to learn something new, meet new people, run into different situations and learn how to cope in the down times.

3. I am forever grateful to have 100% health on my side. Without this, I would not remain positive, full of life and able to do what I do. I am so grateful that I have both legs and arms in good working order and my whole body for that matter. Which is why I love to move everyday and make the most of what I have. With many people close to me being ill or struck down with a horrible sickness I stop to think how lucky I am that I have my health. This is something I will never take for granted and sometimes its little things like this that I forget how lucky I am. Sometimes I need to wake up to this fact and really appreciate that I have health on my side. So as not to take this for granted, I do everything possible to look after myself including exercising, eating clean foods 90% of the time, not smoking and very minimal drinking if nothing at all. It was not until I reached the age of around 23 - 24 that I started to appreciate the body and its functions and what all the harsh chemicals can do to it. When you see people get ill around you I guess it is a big wake up call as to how quickly disease can take over your body.

4. I am so grateful to have a very supportive partner in my life, I am grateful to have such supportive friends in my life and also grateful to share many fun and memorable times with these people. I believe friendships and relationships play a huge part in anyones life and there are some friendships and relationships that really make you who you are today, and without these people in your life, it wouldn't be what it is.
Many friendships come and go and all bring a purpose into my life. I am grateful for anyone who I have been friends with whether they are close or not so close, but all have taught me many things. I see every person I meet as an opportunity to learn something new. I love being a sponge and listening to peoples experience and what they do as you never know how much knowledge you can gain from this. I love learning from people who are positive and have done many interesting and successful things in their life.

To be honest - I could go on and on as there are countless things in my life that I am grateful for.

But just a few smaller things lately that I am grateful for.. yes they are small however they have recently sprung to mind as putting a big smile on my face - and that's what life is all about right - finding happiness in every day.

** For Kade washing my car after me not having done this for probably over 1 and a half months.. thank you!

** For the random card I received in the mail from my GF Kristy to thank me for being a good friend.. this sort of stuff means more to me than any materialistic thing in the world.. its the small things to me that make the most impact and a card with written words is a really touching thing to receive.

** For the heaps of laughs, learning and chats with my friend Tez. You always put a smile on my face and have always been there for me through thick and thin.. Its hard to find friendships like this so I am forever grateful.

** For my coach Al White at Dohertys Gym City.. for helping me to "harden the F*&k up".. without your continual support and dedication to my results I would not be in the position I am today - nor would I be getting the results I am gaining from our training sessions and nutritional support. Sometimes you need someone to say it how it is.. so you can become a stronger person.. and without being reminded that "yes I can do it" sometimes I would forget that I am capable of alot more than I think.

Gee - the list could go on and on but I don't have all day.. So in saying that - I am getting more and more excited by the day as it is only 2 sleeps away until I go to QLD to see my brother and his fiance get married. I look forward to sharing many fun times with my family while being away and coming back refreshed and refocused ready to get into the last 6 weeks of my comp prep for the All Females.

x o x o x o