Gratitude

I'm not always a happy person. In fact, for most of this year, I've been rather a sad person. My year 12 'adventure', if you could call it that, has felt like one huge, big, dark tunnel with absolutely no light at the end. It's been a year of frustration, and questioning contradictions and things that just don't make sense about the education system, society's expectations and my own expectations.



To be honest, I've felt that I've wasted most of this year. Wasted it by being at school. I'm a lover of learning, I think I'll stay at university forever, when I go, because I want to fill my mind as much as I possibly can. But you see, year 12 isn't about learning or teaching. It's about telling us how to pass exams and assessments so that we can get the best mark we possibly can and therefore make our school's reputation better. I've learned nothing from my formal education this year that I will take on into the future of my life. If anything, I've learned that I shouldn't apply myself to society's expectations if they don't suit me. I should live my life the way I want to, despite what others may think.

Because of my frustration, I've been far too sad this year for my own liking, and for those around me. Only now, as the dark tunnel gets lighter each day (23 days and counting), I've realised the consequences my moods have had on those who are closest to my heart.

I sometimes don't take the time to be completely thankful of all that is good in my life. Although school, at the moment is a huge part of my daily life, there are other little things I am grateful for and over the past week I've tried to think of three things per day that have made me happy or brought a smile to my face. This, surprisingly, has made me feel a lot positive about situations and about the future and I'm honestly jumping out of my shoes to finish school, get it over and done with and move on with my life.

So, I thought I would share 3 little things I'm very thankful for in my life week with you all.

1. The absolutely beautiful weather that we had earlier this week. I honestly believed that summer and the end of school were close by. And oh, did I make lists and plans for the holidays that will soon be here!

2. My dog, Lizzie. She will soon no longer be with my family due to an injury, I will miss her terribly but I'm so thankful that we get to spend the last three months of her life cherishing her and giving her lots of belly rubs.

3. Finally, the amazing person in the images above with me. I honestly don't give this man enough credit for everything that he does for me. He is my muse, my amazing photography assistant, my own personal chef, my guide in life and my love. I am so thankful for everything that we have and share and for the photo that I took of us over two years ago that started something absolutely amazing. I love you.

Share three little things your thankful about in your life below and I might post a couple of them on the blog! I'd love to hear a little bit about your lives so get typing!