It’s early morning as I sit at my laptop in my dressing gown (6.20am, to be precise!) and it’s my birthday. I’ve no idea why I got up so early, but as always, I’m grateful for these quiet early mornings, when it’s just me, my coffee and my cats. The house is quiet as everyone else is still sleeping, but I know it won’t be long before the hustle and busy day gets going – school run beckons.
But it’s always on my birthday that I get a little bit reflective as I look over the last year, what I’ve achieved, what’s going on around me and in the world, and the urge to write something to mark the date materialises. So please please excuse this rather self-indulgent post (but by the same token, I hope you’ll enjoy it and maybe take some inspiration from it too).
I could focus on the negatives of the last 12 months (numerous injuries, falling prey to too many bugs and flus etc, and of course, the horrendous situation that’s unfolding in front of our very eyes halfway across the world and the antipathy of governments around the world to take decisive action, but when I look back at my daily existence (not including the worldwide events), these, with the benefit of time and hindsight, they pale in comparison to the good things that have come my way and the things I’ve accomplished.
I’ve always loved the idea of keeping a gratitude practice, but never fully followed through – until now. I’ve started many times, and while there’s no guarantee that this year will be any different, I’ve started doing that thing of writing down whatever I’m grateful for every morning as I drink my morning coffee and do you know what? I already feel a shift in my mental wellbeing. Granted, it’s only been 11 days ( I started it at the end of December) but so far, I’ve been consistent – for longer than I’ve ever managed before. Today’s list went on and on, for almost a whole page in my notebook – but maybe that’s just because it’s a special day that always gets me thinking. Whatever the reason, I’m grateful for so many things – good health, a family I love and that loves me back, a home in which I feel safe, protected and comfortable, food on my table every day for every meal, good friends who I know care about me and who I consider to be an extended family….and so much more.
There’s just so much to be thankful for. Just waking. up every day in a warm bed, in a warm room – so many around the world can’t take that for granted, yet we do. Knowing that as and when I want to have breakfast, there’s food in the fridge and cupboards, shops around the corner if we run out of something, and most importantly, running water whenever I want from the tap – again, we take for granted, but it’s a privilege.
It’s a privilege to just wake up every day. Just this year already, in the first week, we’ve lost two family members, an awful way to start the year. One was only 53 – far too young to go. So although the world seems to be obsessed with anti-ageing, I’m 100% pro ageing. It’s a privilege not afforded to all.
As I look back over these words on the screen, I can see I’ve written privilege so many times (too many times?), but it’s how I’m feeling. I have a body that works (most of the time, injuries notwithstanding!) and that again is something I don’t take for granted. To stay strong and mobile as I age is my goal and I work at it, every day. Even today, I’m excited to get to the gym and get my morning workout in. To keep my bones and muscles strong, to stay flexible and active, alert always striving to be better, fitter, stronger. It’s not easy – I’m not saying it’s without effort. As you get older, you have to do more just to stay in the same place but that’s the challenge and I intend to rise to it.
And I’m loving the pivot I’ve gone through in terms of work. Since completing my Personal Trainer & Nutrition Coach qualification, I’ve managed to help so many women all over the world take control of their health and beauty. That to me is so wonderful, so important and I’m so grateful to be able to do that. To being able to have a positive impact, both on those I know in real life and those I only know through the internet – we’re all connected somehow. And now that I’m studying for a specialist Menopause Coaching Certification, so I can help in so many more ways. 18 exams though, so heaven help me!! And that’s another goal I’m working towards; to never get complacent, always keep learning, expanding my knowledge and keep challenging my brain.
Ok, so now I’m rambling and getting all emotional, so perhaps it’s time to wrap this up for now.
See you in the next post – what would you like to see more of? Style? Fitness? Nutrition and health? Mindset? Menopause? I’d love to know if you’d be kind enough to leave me a comment 🙏🏽
Lots of love to you all
Ambarina xx
