Although it’s a miserable Monday and I’m blogging from my bed smothered with laryngitis, I’ve been thinking about the things I’m thankful for. I’m lucky enough to be able to work from home when situations like this occur and have managed to tick my entire to do list off regardless of my missing voice. We’re so quick to dwell on negative thoughts, bad moods and daily woes. Where possible I try to do the same for all of the positives in my life, keeping a daily journal by my bed to track my thoughts and compile the amazing things I’m lucky enough to experience. I feel extremely blessed at this moment of my life; everything seems to have fallen into place and possibilities seem endless. I seem to have mastered the power of thought and constantly manifest the things I visualise, so much so that it sometimes feels like magic.

1. My career is going from strength to strength, from a best selling book and workshop filled weekends to winning the Best Beauty Blog Award and expanding my brand over in the UK, this year feels like my year. Every morning I’m blessed to be able to bounce out of bed doing what I love everyday, filling my time with variety and sharing my passion online with fabulous followers.
2. Before Christmas my little brother moved to Belgium for his erasmus year. I cried my eyes out for days as we’re so close as siblings. I’ve come to really value our small close knit family and how kind we all are to each other. My family are consistently proud and excited by my success and always there to lend invaluable advice.
3. Over the years I’ve learned the hard way that in my industry people will use you for what they can gain from you. Thankfully I’ve maintained a core group of friends outside of my work that have been supportive throughout, people I trust implicitly and above all have fun with. I’ve also developed friendships through my work with inspiring individuals I used to look up to and follow, that I can now class as friends.
4. I once relied on a man to validate my existence; I craved male attention and didn’t know how to survive without a boyfriend. Over the past year or so I’ve become incredibly independent and happy in my own skin. So much so that, although I love dating and male company I no longer need or have much time for it. If someone is very special I make the time, but I love how picky I’ve become and the individuals I’ve chosen to spend time with. There are so many things I want to achieve by myself first and foremost and I look forward to slowing the pace down when I’m finally ready to start my own family.
5. I’ve been blessed to spread my wings outside of Ireland this year, signing with a UK agency and traveling back and forth for work regularly. My workshops and masterclasses also see me traveling the country and experiencing hotel stays and locations I would never usually get to experience. My recent break to Ibiza made me realise I want to travel for pleasure more often too and I’m currently planning some really exciting trips.
6. Whenever I found myself stuck in a 9-5 job I day dreamed of freedom. Freedom to decide the layout of my day, be my own boss, take a flight whenever I please, go to the gym in the middle of the day or work to reach deadlines until 2am and have a luxurious lie in if i needed. The career path and lifestyle I’ve chosen allows freedom and that’s something I’m constantly grateful for. I never have the Monday blues of Friday feeling I just enjoy everyday.
7. Love is something I cherish, after all, in life all there is is love. Whether it’s a significant other, best friend, dog or family member I’m thankful for having a big heart. I love with every inch of my marrow and no matter what situations have arisen I’ve never given up on love. I genuinely love my life, I appreciate the life I’ve created, I love nature, my home, the list in endless.
8. I’ve always been blessed with confidence. Whether I was a curvy size 14 or my current fit and healthy size 10, I love the skin I’m in. For me, confidence adds sex appeal, intrigue, an air of dynamism, and a little something special that sets you apart from the crowd. I may not be the prettiest or most intelligent person in a room but I know I’ll always stand out.
9. Over the past year I’ve made a massive lifestyle change which has opened my eyes up to my health. I transformed my diet and fitness regime from a junk food filled lazy girl to a fit girl who lifts, enjoys cardio and sticks to a strict clean eating plan. My skin glows, my sleep is good, my mood is positive and I’m rarely sick. I’m so thankful for my health and have a new appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.
10. Finally, I’m thankful for the inner peace I’ve found. From my first panic attack and anxious disposition to practising mindfulness and meditation, I’ve completely overhauled my mind. I embrace waves of sadness when they come, I utilise worries to my advantage and I embrace excitement. For the first time in a long time I can say I’ve been consistently content for months and I’ve found true happiness from within.

What are you thankful for? Why not write out your list today.

Joanne xoxo