“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

~1 Thessalonians 5:18

I had a gratitude journal back during my second year of college. Looking back on it now, I realize how important it was in helping me maintain a valuable perspective on life during what was a very trying year. Plus, it’s sometimes hilarious re-reading it and trying to remember the events I was referring to.

It doesn’t matter how big or small something is; God deserves thanks for every gift He gives His children. Sometimes it may feel like you’re really scraping the bottom of the barrel, but there’s always something there to be thankful for. I find this to be especially more important now that my life is consumed with illnesses that in all likelihood will never go away. Are you alive today? There’s always that.

Monday, September 10th:

• Finally had that dreaded ultrasound, which thankfully went quickly and the tech was great.
• More library books! 📚 (It’s turned into a Monday thing!)

Tuesday, September 11th:

• Got the ultrasound results, which show a hemorrhagic cyst on each ovary. Oh well. It could have been worse, like before.

Wednesday, September 12th:

• I had a good appointment with my indefatigable PCP. Even though we both realize things are getting worse, we’ve decided to dig deeper into our arsenal of “stuff to try.” Downside? More medication. Upside? Maybe some of it will help.
• I got my flu shot. Vaccines save lives. Thank you.

Thursday, September 13th:

• I cried a lot. I’m glad humans are able to cry.

Friday, September 14th:

• I made huge progress on a book that’s due back at the library on Monday. It’s on loan from another library over an hour away, so I want to get it back without having to renew it.
• Thank goodness for functional medicine. Since we’re running out of options to treat my chronic pain, I’m going to see a chiropractor and acupuncturist in October and I’m so happy I was able to get in so quickly!

Saturday, September 15th:

• I finished that huge library book that’s due Monday!
• I ran a low-grade fever all day as a result of getting my flu shot. It happens every time I get a vaccine. But that just means my body is producing lots of antibodies to take down that flu virus!
• I have a new thing in my anti-pain arsenal to try, but I’m going to stay quiet about it until I see if it’s actually effective.

Sunday, September 16th:

• Even though I was up all night (Saturday into Sunday) with painsomnia, I finally managed to fall asleep around 7 am and generally slept well (minus Casper noisily hacking up a hairball on the bedroom carpet) until mid-afternoon.
• I was still running a low-grade fever all day. But it’s better than dying from the flu.

What are YOU grateful for this week?

💛ribbonrx