There is a Swedish proverb that says "Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow." I think this sums up my experience and learnings this year.
As I started to reflect on this past year to count my blessings and think about what I am thankful for so many thoughts and feelings came up. I realised that behind that which I am thankful for is deep, raw and very real emotion. There came the realisation that despite the good it's been a really difficult year where much has been quite chaotic and in flux.
Some really significant and traumatic things have happened that have shaken us to our core. Things that are not easy to cope with at all. And yet we all did.
We have all survived, strived and even thrived despite all the challenges and so I have realised that it is the social bonds and the support given through the good AND bad stuff that strengthen us, and that make the joy that much sweeter and the deep sorrows to be bearable.
So am really grateful for the bonds:
- Of family.
- Of our tribe here in Cantoria. Lead by our King Andrew and his little Prince Nathaniel.
- Of my big boys Quinn & Griffin who are my life's pride.
- Of my extended family of parents, sisters and their families
- Of Andrew's father and siblings.
- And of course the very special bond of friends both near and far.
I am thankful:
That my boys Quinn & Griffin remain wonderfully easy going, and excellent big brothers to Nathaniel.
That we got to take little Nathaniel to go see his America family in the states and especially Grandpa Lou in Florida.
That despite the extra chaos it brings; that our lives have been rich and full of visits of family and friends from all over the world.
And I really am grateful that I have a home full of boys (including the cat and dog) that understand, support and tolerate me (most of the time).
To end off some wisdom from another Swedish proverb which says:
"Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things will be yours"
