World gratitude day

  

Today is World Gratitude Day, and my heart is swelling with pride and love. Gratitude is now second nature to me; it's my compass to life, my lens for seeing the world, the feet I walk with, and the air I breathe.

Today, I am grateful for life's challenges, which have steered my path to where it is now. Challenges are part of life, though sometimes we wish they weren't there lol! Challenges teach us lessons and guide us, and most importantly, they help us guide others out of similar situations. Life's challenges are like unexpected adventures that show up whether we like it or not, and sometimes, we even cause them ourselves.

Last year, I had this fantastic job that I loved so much. I was so dedicated that I even went to work on Eid Kabir after prayers to kickstart one of our projects. My roommate was furious, wondering why I would do such a thing. I remember producing 1,000 bottles of different juices with little or no help because the production manager was away. I ensured everything ran smoothly at the company, sometimes even using my own money for minor expenses I could afford. But on May 22, 2023, I was accused of stealing the company's contact book and handed over to the Civil Defence for questioning. Although I wasn't the only one questioned, I was the prime suspect. I cried my eyes out; I couldn't believe it was happening. I didn't tell my parents, and my phone was confiscated for 48 hours. Nothing was found against me. Trust is a big deal for me; I work transparently with everyone. This incident made me question myself. I sought help and went for counseling and therapy to get back to myself. What I learned from this is that whenever you're in a job, know the property under your office and keep an eye on it. The contact book was supposed to be under my custody, but I wasn't the only one using it. The other person was cleared by the CEO, leaving me as the prime suspect. I resigned after the case because there was no need to work in a company where I wasn't trusted.

I am grateful for this challenge as it reinforced my value of trust. Trust is a big deal for me, and I am grateful to maintain this value. I am also grateful to the company for the opportunity to have worked with them.

I am grateful for my body and its ability to hike with me today without stress. It was a total of 4 hours walking on a beautiful mountain with breathtaking serenity. The mountain we hiked is called Wakanda at Duste-Alhaji in Abuja. The view was amazing, and the experience was priceless. I don't know what people do with their Saturdays if they don't hike to see the Almighty's creations. The mountain, the green grass, and the little animals we came across, not to mention the farmers who plant maize, groundnuts, and other crops. I felt bad for those who accidentally stepped on their plants. But the most interesting part was the people we hiked with. I know I'm big on friendship, and I'm grateful for having a friend who hikes with me. Initially, we wondered if it was a good idea since we were told it was an extreme hike. Well, I'm in for crazy adventures, cracking jokes, and the fear of seeing them get hurt. The ride to and from the location was fun and recalibrating after a week full of work and responsibilities. Spending time with nature has been known to give you an instant boost of happiness and joy. True! Don't believe me? Just give it a try one of these weekends.

I am grateful for the person I am becoming day by day. I appreciate being here and now. Here's a quote that says it all: "It's a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack." – Germany Kent.

It's amazing how gratitude can change our view of life the moment we appreciate the little things we have, and even the big ones. This attitude keeps the mind sane and gives it clarity.

I am grateful for good health. Earlier this week, I felt sick and took some medication I had at home, knowing it was my ulcer acting up. I had this ulcer kit at home and decided to take it, but I forgot to check the expiration date, which happened to be this month. Well, I'm okay; I'm not dying anytime soon, In Sha Allah (God willing). I suppose I get successor before I leave lol!

I am grateful for being afraid and not giving up. We do it afraid.

I am grateful for the friends who accept me and share in my life unconditionally.

I am grateful to you all for reading my gratitude post. You guys are my MVPs. Cheers to an attitude of gratitude for life.

Let's live a little deeper into why I'm so grateful for my body and its ability to hike. Our bodies are incredible machines that carry us through thick and thin. Today, my legs powered me up the Wakanda mountain, and my lungs filled with fresh, crisp air. I felt alive, truly alive, in a way that only being surrounded by nature can make you feel. The birds singing, the rustling of leaves, and the distant laughter of fellow hikers all created a symphony of life that I am so thankful for.

I also want to express my gratitude for the simple things that often go unnoticed. Like the cool breeze that brushed against my face today, making the hike more pleasant. Or the tiny flowers peeking out from the grass, adding splashes of colour to the green landscape. These little moments of beauty remind me to pause and appreciate the world around me.

Reflecting on the past year, I realize how much I've grown. The challenges I've faced have shaped me into a stronger, more resilient person. Each obstacle was a lesson in disguise, teaching me patience, perseverance, and the importance of maintaining my values. I'm grateful for the strength to overcome these hurdles and for the wisdom gained along the way.

I'm also thankful for the moments of joy and laughter that balance out the tough times. Like the jokes and banter during today's hike, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Laughter truly is the best medicine, and I'm grateful for the friends who bring so much joy into my life.

Health is another blessing I'm profoundly grateful for. Our health is often taken for granted until something goes wrong. This week, when I wasn't feeling well, I was reminded of how fragile and precious our health is. I'm grateful for the resilience of my body and for the remedies that help us heal. And, of course, for the lesson to always check expiration dates lol!

Lastly, I am grateful for the future and the unknown adventures it holds. There's a certain excitement in not knowing what's next, in the endless possibilities that lie ahead. I look forward to new challenges, new friendships, and new moments of gratitude.

Thank you for being a part of my gratitude journey. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me. Let's continue to embrace the attitude of gratitude together.

Share with us what you are grateful for, just one thing.

Peace and love.