Christmas can be a difficult time for many, and I think it's really important to show gratitude for what you have. Often our excesses and privileges go unchecked at Christmas, so I wanted to write a post about what I'm grateful for during the festive season.
I'm grateful for my family and friends
Christmas for me is a time to share with family, but there are many that can't. I'm so grateful for the kindness and support my family and friends show me. Whether it's Sheila helping me in the house, my friends helping to pick the kids up from school when I'm having a bad day, the moral support my Mum brings in our daily chats, or the kind hugs the kids give me when I'm not feeling very well, it all means so much to me. I want to say thank you to all of my family and friends for always being there for me, especially in the challenging times, and I love you all.
I'm grateful for love
Being happily married is a blessing, and I wouldn't be able to do...well...life if it wasn't for my husband Si. We've been together for 16 years, and it's a flown by, which I think is a testament to our love and commitment to each other. I love him with all of my heart, and his ability to make me laugh and smile in even the toughest times is incredible. Relationships can often become strained at Christmas, but we have an easy, happy household with the children which makes me feel eternally grateful.
I'm grateful for the peaceful times
I'm not the best sleeper, and have taken to getting up early on a lot of days before the kids wake up. This period of peace and calm has been a blessing to me. I sit quietly downstairs, and take in how lucky I am to live in a lovely house. I love my kids more than I can say, but they have their moments of chaos - like all kids. Having a time of the day where I now I can reflect on things, write and read had been great for my mental health.
I'm grateful for my home
We live in a wonderful house in Bristol, that gives us enough space to all live happily and enjoy life. It is warm and comfortable. There are increasing numbers of people in this country and they are homeless. I can imagine how awfully difficult this is and how Christmas must heighten the anguish and stress. I give to Crisis at Christmas every year, for that very reason. There are many different reasons why people end up being homeless, and I have to say, our current government doesn't help. It can happen to anyone, as circumstances are never set in stone. I'm grateful every day for the fact that we are lucky enough to have a roof over our heads.
I'm grateful for my health
Sure I have MS, and my mental health isn't great, but I'm grateful. When having a bad moment, I've always reminded myself that though I do have health issues, things could always be worse. Even with my MS, when I think back to being diagnosed, I had assumed that I would be in a wheelchair after 20 years, and the fact I'm not is amazing to me. My consultant marvelled at how well I'm doing when I saw him recently, and I think he's right. I have days (though they are few and far between) when I can be symptom free which is fantastic. Sure I could not have MS and bipolar, but I do, and as it can't be changed, I may as well make the most of it. I'm also grateful for getting through Covid unscathed, and coming out the other end feeling well. As my Mum's Covid journey (after she was diagnosed with long Covid) has shown me, it could have been much much worse.
I'm grateful for the NHS
Talking of health, I couldn't not thank the NHS. I am on the amazing Tysabri that makes it easier for me, and it is given to me for free. I'm grateful for my MS nurses, hospital team and the mental health team. All of them have played a huge part in me being stable and their advice and regular check ups have meant a lot to me.
I'm grateful for the food on our table
Christmas for me is all about cooking and baking. I love it! But I am so so grateful for the fact that we have a kitchen full of food that we can enjoy at Christmas time and beyond. More people are relying on food banks in this country, to the shame of our government, and it's important we remember those that are less fortunate than ourselves.
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In the spirit of the season, can I also say a big thank you to everyone who reads this blog. It is a lifeline for me to write about my experiences, and knowing that people actually read it is amazing! As I've said before, I only started 10+ years ago to offer some support to others with MS who are starting a family, and since then it's grown and become so much more to me. Writing is cathartic for me, so it has provided me with somewhere to air my thoughts and feelings, and given me a bit of a mission in life - to show people that an MS diagnosis doesn't have to be the end of your life, you can have a family, live fully, and be happy.
To all my readers, friends and family, I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and may 2022 be full of good health and happiness.
Photo by Tina Vanhove on Unsplash
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