I don’t know if it’s the nicer weather, or the rising vaccination rates, or what, but I’ve just been feeling like I’m in a really good place lately. The end of winter/beginning of spring felt rough, mentally – I just felt burnt out and overwhelmed but stuck at the same time! I’ve been more careful about taking time to refresh and relax lately (often on the deck with a book) and I think that’s definitely helping. Whatever the reason, I’m glad.
I wrote a grateful list here a few months ago (in this post), and it seems like a good time for an update. Let me know what you’re grateful for in the comments!
Seeing Friends Again
It’s strange to think how long I went seeing so few people outside of my family! It’s not like I’m seeing people in huge crowds right now, but it’s been SO nice to be able to hang out with friends outside and inside and not feel stressed the whole time. I even had a friend fly in to visit, which was so much fun! It’s just felt so GOOD to get together in person, together, and catch up.
Patio Dining at Restaurants
I’ve been doing (lots of) takeout this whole time, but there’s still something different about actually dining at a restaurant versus having the same meal at home. It’s warm and fresh when it comes to the table, and someone else is responsible for the setting up and cleaning up! I especially love outdoor, patio dining, and had the best meal recently at DiAnoia’s Eatery. I’m excited for many more long, relaxed outdoor meals this summer.
Being on Evrysdi
I already have a whole post about this, I know, but it’s something that seemed so out of reach for so many years. Until I was in my late 20s, no treatment for SMA existed, at all. Since SMA is progressive, knowing that I’ll lose strength and abilities over time is knowledge that I’ve had to live with for as long as I can remember. It’s not something that I dwell on a lot, but it’s always there in the back of my mind. So being able to access a treatment that, if nothing else, will help me maintain the strength that I have now – that’s something that I’m more grateful for than I can possibly put into words.
Warm, Sunny Days
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I’m just a happier person when the weather is nice! Part of it is disability related – warmer temperatures means less layers, so it’s easier for me to move my arms, and warmer weather is definitely better for my circulation. But it’s also just a mental thing – I’m a summer person and live for the hot sun and days spent outside. It’s been making me so happy!
Having Travel Plans
I’m both grateful for and anxious about this one! I’m so looking forward to being somewhere that is more than 30 minutes from my house, but I kind of forget how to travel, ha! Packing feels incredibly daunting – I can’t remember what I need on a daily basis and how to not overpack! But I am excited to just relax and enjoy being away again after not going anywhere at all for so long, and I’m so grateful to be able to do it without feeling anxiety about every single stranger that I might encounter.
Good Books
I was in a reading rut for a while, but happily I’m back in the habit again. It’s a small thing, but spending a Saturday on my deck with a cappuccino in hand and a good book in front of me just feels like the absolute best form of relaxation. I’ll keep telling myself that I’m just going to read one more chapter, and then I look up and notice that two hours have gone by! It’s just the best.
Don’t forget to share what you’re feeling grateful for!
