Saturday Question: What 3 Things Are You Grateful For 2017

/ australianperfumejunkiescom

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Portia

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Hello Fellow Fumies,

Every Saturday we have a Question, an idea purloined from Olfactoria’s Travels. Everyone gets to chime in with an answer, chat with other responders and it is a fun event each week. Taking sides never means taking offence and everyone keeps it respectful and light, even though we can sometimes trawl the depths.

The idea is you’ll see it on the weekend or chime in through the week. Hopefully you will come back and see if anyone has responded to your comment and you can reply to them.

Over 100 responses I will draw a $10 Surrender To Chance Gift Card.
Over 200 responses I will draw a $20 Surrender To Chance Gift Card.
Comment purposefully on yours or anothers comment & you’ll have a chance, random.org will draw on Friday.

Last Weeks Winner:

eMail me at (portia underscore turbo at yahoo dot com dot au) with the eMail you’d like me to send your Gift Card to.

Saturday Question:

What 3 Things Are You Grateful For 2017

Gratitude. I think consciously saying Thank You for things reminds us how lucky we are. It’s easy to make a litany of complaint but it’s also easy to find things that are good. In the same way we thoughtlessly complain about lifes rotten moments, we need to thoughtfully be grateful for the good.

My Answer:

Most obviously I am grateful this year for Jin and our friends. They are the soul of my life, the blood that keeps everything functioning. Without their daily injections of time, fun, conversation, advice, reassurance and love this life would be worthless.

Work. Yes, I know that’s not most peoples gratitude point but I am so grateful for having work, helping others have work and all the fun we have while doing our job. Sure, like every job there are nights when I’d rather hurdle in a ball than leave the house but seriously, I have one fabulous job.

The climate here in Sydney. We have four seasons but none of them are dreadfully extreme. Though this year has been a little dry mostly we have a good balance of rain and sunshine. Even in winter we can get out and about, catch public transport or drive, meet friends and basically live. I love how much light we have and the length of the days. We are so lucky here and I’m totally grateful.

My Saturday Question to you is:

What 3 Things Are You Grateful For 2017

 

 

110 thoughts on “Saturday Question: What 3 Things Are You Grateful For 2017”

  1. I am grateful for being able to get my tired old body out of bed every morning and head to a job which helps put food on the table and provides health insurance (so many folks in my area are struggling financially and working 2-3 jobs to make ends meet).

    I am grateful for having three able bodied children who will, hopefully, turn into productive adults that contribute to this world in a positive way.

    I am grateful for my hubs and my very small group of very close friends who are as near and dear to me as any blood relative could be.

    And at the risk of breaking rules I am adding a fourth in that I am grateful for APJ and Portia and all the wonderful folks that come here on a daily basis.

    Happy New Year, everyone..peace, love, light to you all 🙂

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  2. This year has been quite placid, for which I’m grateful in general! More specifically, I’m grateful for the following:
    The year has been free of accidents and injuries: I did have a fall in September, but nothing serious.
    My family are also enjoying good health – that’s so important.
    My husband has got over his mother’s death by studying at the 3rd age university, where he’s made a lot of friends, and learning to swim – he goes to the pool three times a week. After his mother’s protracted illness and the period of grief, he’s now a different person.
    Happy New Year to you all!

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  3. Lovely question for the end of the year! When I started my blog Serenity Now, I made the conscious effort to post regular “What Went Well” thoughts, as a gratitude practice during a difficult time. I don’t post those any more, and some of those difficulties have ceased, but I still try to remember to think of my “three blessings” regularly.

    This year, I have been grateful for my extended family and our collective ability to support each other well through the loss of two mothers (mine and my husband’s); the good health and happiness of ourselves and our three children; the blessing of a happy marriage; economic security that allows for creative pursuits.

    And I’m grateful for this and other friendly blogging communities, where I have learned so much, and where commenters are kind, thoughtful, and patient. Happy 2018!

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      • Thanks! I might do it again occasionally, but it started to feel a little weird and egocentric to do it every week. Maybe a 2017 end-of-year “what went well”, as long as I stay away from politics, lol.

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    • I too love the blogging communities. One of the great pluses of the internet age. Interacting with people you would never, ever have had the chance to get to know ….. Ouch. 2 mothers in one year. It is in the tough times that the practice of gratitude is important, to give a little clarity. Whoohooo! 2018. Let‘s go. Hugs. Val. xxxxxx

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    • I also liked your idea of the WWW post, and even considered “borrowing” it for my blog (I still might). In the world where each day brings a lot of challenges, it’s so important to remember positive things – which are easily overlooked when things aren’t going well.
      Bring it back! 🙂

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  4. Sometimes it is the small things that make me grateful, like waking up in the morning after a great nights sleep. Achieving something new in yoga class. A beautiful early morning walk with my dog. Little stuff.
    Love my job, my husband, and try not to take them for granted.
    That’s more than three. Soz.

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    • Hiya JackieB,
      Any amount of gratitude accepted with open arms.
      Gratitude for little stuff can make the big stuff easier to handle.
      Portia x

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    • Jackie, I love this. It IS the small things that are there in abundance, but get missed. Now I am bringing to mind some of the little things that bring me joy. Ahhh, thank YOU for the reminder. Happy New Year, honey. Xx

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  5. Sometimes we tend to only focus on the future, leaving the impression that we might only be happy then, after xy has come into our lives. It’s so nice to think about what we are already having in our lives and about what makes us happy now!

    My three things I am grateful for:
    – I took the time, money and courage to travel overseas for quite a long time this year. I saw so many beautiful places and met wonderful people on the road, I will try to keep and treasure these memories for as long as possible
    – I am grateful for my family and friends. I know I can rely on them and they make me feel loved and accepted
    – After being the most unsportive person ever for the longest time, I discovered sports this year and am grateful for my body that is much stronger than I thought.

    Have a happy new year, you all!

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      • I went to New Zealand and to Asia where I travelled across Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Sri Lanka. I even managed to spend a few days in Melbourne. Australia is definitely on my list now, I need to see more of it 🙂

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    • Marie! I am getting chills of joy down my spine. What a year of firsts for you!!! This has brought me a HUGE smile, girlfriend!! Where did you go? What sports are you playing? I love hearing of you extending yourself to try new things. Soooo exciting! And the lessons learned… K xx

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      • I’m also smiling when I think back of all the things I saw and did in 2017 😀 I fell in love with surfing and hope to be close to water again in 2018.
        Sending you best wishes for the new year! xx

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  6. First three off the top of my head: I live in a safe country in my own home; my health is good; there seems to be a rapprochement with a family member.

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  7. As hideous as things are in my country, first of all, I’m grateful for my wonderful husband, who is smart, handsome, and has so many delightful interests that I’ve gotten into, too.

    I’m grateful for a job that is always interesting and mostly pleasurable–I’m a book designer at Penguin Random House, and no, I don’t design the jackets/covers, I design the actual words people read.

    I’m grateful for my friends, both IRL and virtual. What a fantastic group of people. Love you, Portia!

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    • Francesca, wishing you peace and a settled 2018 for you and your country. I guess it all starts from home. Keep spreading your kindness and gratitude. The world needs it more than ever. Kxx

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    • Hey Francesca,
      Three incredibly lucky things in your life.
      Proud to call you friend and I love you too. See you in PARIS!
      Portia xx

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  8. What a great reminder as we embark on a new year what to be grateful for. I’m thankful that I survived this one year and that it went quickly in some ways (It’s been a trying year politically). I’m thankful that my partner became my husband, and that we are moving back into my childhood home in the mountains, an area that was devastated by a massive fire in California. We are busy renovating. I’m grateful to the little hummingbirds and finches that come to feed in the morning in view of the large bedroom window, and my six (6!!!) cats that watch them. I’m grateful that an important legal case was won this year. It’s been a better year most personally for me despite the daily political shocks, a year of moving beyond much grief and loss.

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    • Shiva, it has been a huge year for you. You kept in stride with it all and held yourself with poise. Not an easy thing to do. I wish you peace and stillness. I hope your new home has plenty of wildlife to keep you in touch with nature. Just remind your feline beauties to respect the pecking order of nature. 😉 It is always wonderful to have you share your life with us. You’ve helped open my eyes to a lot of topical issues. Here’s to 2018, Shiva! K xx

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    • Sounds like you had a basketful of good and bad last year Shiva-woman. So glad you’re part of the APJ family and can share with us.
      Portia xx

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    • Shiva woman , congratulations on your marriage. The fires you speak ..was it the recent blazes in November this year? I hope as 2018 begins your renos take shape quickly.Drink for a great new year in your ‘new’ home

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  9. A wonderful way to leave 2017 and herald in 2018.

    Gratitude is tattooed on my left wrist, primarily so I do not forget to be grateful. But I often do. It isn’t something innate in me, so I need to cultivate it.

    My boys. I am fortunate to be their mum. It is an honour, a blessing and the best gift imaginable.

    My autism diagnosis. Officially, I got it last year, but this year was spent reworking all I knew about myself. It has allowed me to understand why I am so different and to begin to feel ok about being me….at last.

    My health. I am pretty lucky to be as agile as when I was a teen and to have everything intact. I generally hold my own in my job, alongside 20-something yo men, and I can deadlift 125kg on a good day.

    It is easy to forget all this. I want more, aim for more and am continually seeking more. I think 2018 needs more time devoted to simply enjoying the wonders already in my life. They may go at any time.

    A marvellous and safe 2018 to you all in our frag community.

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    • I am fascinated by your autism diagnosis so late in life !!! I could well imagine that it has helped to explain much for you. As human beings we all have our quirks and goofiness and yes, it is OK to be oneself, different or not. Imagine how dull the world would be if we were all the same ??? 😉

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      • Oh and I am NOT implying that you are old but generally folks who are dx with autism usually get such dx when they are very young (preschool age). At least this is the case in the States.

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      • Ha! No offense taken. There is a current trend in autism academia of acknowledging females have autism too. For so long, it was considered that it affects mostly males. For various reasons, a lot of females fly under the radar. We tend to recognise ourselves only after our children are diagnosed, or after multiple nervous breakdowns/suicide attempts/life falling apart etc with no apparent reason. I am but one of many getting a Dx later in life.

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      • Thanks for clarifying , Kate. I wonder how many female adults are undiagnosed here in the States? Adults are also getting diagnoses with ADD and ADHD recently here in the States. I think having a proper dx helps to clarify much and is helpful.

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    • Hey Kate,
      You are strong, in so many ways.
      I’m grateful you’re part of our frag family at APJ.
      It wouldn’t be the same without you.
      Portia xx

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  10. God’s incredible grace,my husband and family, my friends,and my work. I’m so blessed I can’t limit myself to three!

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  11. I am grateful for my wonderful life in general but narrowing it down to 3…I too am grateful for my job which enables me to give something to our community i some way and provides enough money to sustain my perfume,candle, skincare and makeup addictions (hoarding my husband might say…). I am grateful for the family and friends in my life and my wonderful greyhound Bobby. I am grateful for the same sex marriage win which gave me a ray of hope for the future in what appears to have been a world that has recently gone mad…

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    • Lynda,
      Greyhounds are the BEST aren’t they. I’m taking mine out to my BFFs parents swimming pool right now. They’ll love it.
      Portia xx

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  14. I always try to look at the bright side if there is any. I’m incredibly grateful for “surviving” the house renovations during the summer. There was a lot of work, but in the end it was absolutely worth it, and I love the feeling.

    Another important thing is that I finally started interacting with other perfumistas! For three years I only silently read a couple of favourite blogs (somehow I didn’t know about you guys! I would start engaging into conversations much sooner!). It’s great to talk to somebody who isn’t judging you for spending money on such “impractical” stuff!

    I guess I’m most thankful for the fact that most of people and beings I love are alive and well.

    I hope that 2018 will be better and happier in all respects for all of us!

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    • Hey Diana,
      Welcome down the fragrant rabbit hole. It is a fascinating place to wind up.
      Home renovations are extremely trying. Having them done is heaven.

      Yeah, we wish you a fulfilled 2018 too.
      Portia xx

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      • Thank you Portia! Yeah, being a solitary fraghead was a little less devastating for my wallet 🙂 Nevertheless, it’s all worth it!

        Happy New Year, – I believe you’re already entered 2018! Here’s to our dreams coming true 🙂

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  15. It’s been a tough year, but even in the deep downs, there are things I am so very grateful for. And they are brought into sharp focus, when things are sad.

    My father died this spring; he was finally drawn under the unstoppable tides of dementia. But I am beyond grateful that we were able to give him a good death, surrounded by love and care, and that I had the privilege (with all the challenges and heartaches) of looking after him and protecting him in the years when he needed it most. (But I am also grateful to put that responsibility down.)

    While injured and having to make the hard choice to withdraw from a major international competition, I am grateful for the support I had to make that choice, and beyond grateful that I got to dream so big, and learn to believe it, when I only took up a sport in my mid-forties. And to love it enough to want to work to get back to that level again, when my damn tendons heal up enough to let me lift again. Because I am grateful for the joy that the ability and strength that I built give me.

    And for my beloved, who has my back.

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    • Crikey,
      Sorry to hear of your mountain of a year.
      Let’s hope the really hard slog is over and it’s smooth sailing in 2018.
      Portia xx

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      • Thank you, Portia. Your kind words and wishes are much appreciated. I fretted a little, about the rather over-emotional comment I left–but it was good to think about these things, and acknowledge the very real positives in them. So thank you for giving the space to share that.

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  16. Wow! So many beautiful posts, by beautiful people.
    I’m grateful for my health, my super supportive & loving partner and for still wanting to learn, grow and become the best I can be.
    Breast cancer and everything that goes with it is not fun. Everyday for me is a constant reminder to be grateful for lots of stuff, big & little. Which inspires me to chase my dreams, be a better person and always smell amazing! I’m also grateful for this site – I feel like I’ve found my tribe – it makes me smile, my perfume wish list grows daily with scents you are wearing that I’ve not heard of or tried.
    Here’s to 2018 – may it bring us all peace, love and lots of laughing (and lots of perfume!) ❤️

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  17. My hubby
    My daughter
    My son

    Everything else is secondary to me because at the end I would like to think that they are who will occupy my heart and thoughts.

    Now . . On a lighter note I often whisper a grateful “thank you” out into that dark void of the universe, my most recent being thank you for:

    Noisey neighbours going away for a blissful month
    Green traffic lights
    Our dog not wanting to wee at 2am
    A decent nights sleep

    Simple pleasures appreciated with a quiet and sincere “thank you”.

    Thank you Portia and APJ crew for brightening my year with this space . . Happy New Year 🍾😚🎉💜

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  18. My husband
    My son
    The music that fills my life- between my job as a preschool music teacher, my flute choirs, the praise band at my church, and my handbell choir.

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  19. At this year-end time I am grateful for:

    small comforts – a perfect hand cream, and a new shampoo and hair conditioner I love, these things make me smile.

    small creatures – my family always has pets. At the moment we are enjoying our own little flock of 3 birds at home. They are happy to wake us in the morning and are cheerful companions when the world seems dark and lonely. We have two goldfish that frantically greet me each morning with their wiggling bodies that say, “Hi, where’s breakfast?”

    small mercies – over the past year a series of kindnesses have come my way, often when I or a family member was at a low moment. This has kept me believing in the basic goodness of people and life.

    Hope all of APJ has a wonderful weekend, whatever you do (or choose not to do) to celebrate the new year. I will be with a small group of family members for the evening and hope to be tucked up in bed just after midnight. 🙂

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  20. To all the members of APJ thank you for contributing/ being enablers in my perfume addiction. I wish each of you peace and love in 2018.
    Reading all of the above posts, there seems a common two items people are grateful for; a ‘group ‘of human beings/pets which are considered FAMILY, and a dwelling to call HOME
    It seems as I grow older, particularly living in a ‘first world’ country, these two items are paramount of gratefulness

    And so to my 2017. A mixed bag
    Having holidays throughout the year has been great
    Despite corporate greed seeing me lose approx. $200 a fortnight, I still have a job, where many do not.
    I can say that my marriage is strong and happy.
    Lastly I’m grateful for perfume, and the wearers of same.

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    • Hey Saffyishere. Yeah, grateful for perfume. It is what connects us, and so much more. Those who don’t know, cannot understand. 🙂 Happy New Year. Bring it on! Hugs. Val xxxxx

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    • Hey Saffyishere,
      Losing money is a shit. Is that because they did away with penalty rates?
      Thank you for your unstinting support across a range of platforms. It;’s noticed and appreciated Sally-Anne.
      Portia xx

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      • Not penalty rates. The organization demoted all the enrolled nurses to personal care workers, and with it we lost $4 per hour. Also there was a restructure of hours worked ie reduced from 6 or 7 hour shifts to 6 or 5 hour shifts.
        In Bundaberg, QLD, there was an organization which sacked all of their enrolled nurses, so I’m grateful we given an opportunity to still have a job.
        I enjoy contributing to
        APJ

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  21. What a great question! I agree about work: meaningful work is one of the things I’m very grateful for, whatever its frustrations. The other two are good health after a tough few years and, most important of all, for my loved ones.
    Wishing all a happy new year!

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    • Hey DW,
      Yeah, finding meaningful work (something that gives our lives meaning and focus, as well as adding to the world in general) is a very hard thing to find. Never an easy road once you do.
      Happy New Year to you also.
      Portia xx

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  22. To be honest, I am still grateful to be alive. Granted I am in late 30s so not really the age where you worry about death 🙂 but still the everyday news about untimely deaths all over the world constantly remind me not to take life for granted. You may live a very responsible life (I mean no stupid habits) yet things outside your control may still cut your life short. So I am grateful to be alive and look forward to see what the future holds in terms of scientific discoveries and future inventions.

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  23. I am deeply grateful for all the abundance in my life: love, health, family, home. May it continue through 2018! And I am grateful to APJ and a few other perfume blogs/forums where I spend so many enjoyable hours sharing our hobby. Life is good. It has its ups and downs… the ups give us strength to face the downs.

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    • Hey TaraC,
      “Life is good. It has its ups and downs… the ups give us strength to face the downs.” Perfect. 100% agree.
      It’s lovely having you pop up each week, thanks for being part of the APJ family.
      Portia xx

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  24. I am hugely grateful that I found a job close to home that pays me more per hour than I was getting before.
    I am grateful that finding that job allowed me to move out of a caravan in my parents backyard and into my own home.
    I am absolutely grateful that my health has improved and the post viral fatigue and arthralgia I had earlier this year has finally gone.
    Thank you!

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  25. I am extremely thankful that I continue to earn a living baking cookies. What a privilege to be able to sell what I make.
    For friends and family of course , without them ……. doesn‘t bear thinking about.
    For good health.

    And for Portia, and APJ, and those who read it, a part of my life that is integral to my very being. And no I am most certainly not kissing arse. It’s a fact. Here‘s to 2018. Bussis.

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    • Val,
      You know how much Jan and I love you and value your friendship.
      APJ would be bleak without your fortnightly contributions.
      You are the COOKIE QUEEN!
      Portia x

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  26. Hello gorgeous.

    After two ‘interesting’ years where I almost lost my job and a year of various, minor in the scheme of things, physical pains and issues I’m grateful for:
    The people in my life that I love and loves me back… I would be lost without them.
    My health – I know things could’ve been so much worse.
    Employment – I sure need one to purchase all the gorgeous smelly things…

    I want to thank you Portia for extending your friendship to me beyond the blogsphere. Love ya!!! I also want to thank everyone in APJ for your tireless effort in keeping me informed and fragrant.

    Here’s to an amazing 2018.

    XXX… Tim

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    • Tim,
      You are the best.
      I love our time together, fragrant and otherwise.
      Here’s to more time spent hanging out in 2018.
      Portia xx

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  27. My answers would be very similar to yours, Portia: family, job and Nor. Cal climate (even though we still need more rain). I hope that the next year is at least not worse.

    Happy New Year to everyone!

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  28. Even in the midst of a tumultuous year, there is so much to be grateful for:

    1) The Fighters–whether you fight for the rights of others or fight for your own health and sanity; whether you work through our justice system or work to make it better; whether you fight to make it through just one more hour or one more whole year, I see you and appreciate you, and am grateful for your efforts.

    2) The Carers–you bring a casserole to a neighbor, you make sound decisions for those who can no longer make their own, you donate money to help those less fortunate than you, you bring heating pads to injured family members; you care in large and small ways every day and words cannot express my full gratitude.

    3) The Thinkers–in conscientiously doing your job, you make mine easier; you teach my child and many other children every day; you plan renovation projects so I don’t have to; you fix the things that go wrong, and prevent them from going wrong in the first place; you find the bargains and make the space for our lives to be more enjoyable; I am grateful for all you do every day.

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    • BIG gratitudes Missionista,
      All worth giving thought to. Thanks for commenting and reminding me.
      Portia xx

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  29. Happy New Year to Dear Portia and all APJ family!!

    I am grateful every time I read a post and all the comments!

    My family my friends, our dog Milo.

    The wonderful kind words and gestures that I receive at random and out of the blue sometimes, makes me realise the little things matter so much and are the fabric of life. The little happiness moments throughout your life these are the things I cherish xx

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  30. I’m a bit late to comment, have been busy enjoying life. So that in itself is a biggie for me. I’m grateful that I have the health and verve to get out and do things that others find challenging. I have wonderful family and friends, am financially comfortable, so what more does anyone need? I feel blessed. I go into this year as I mean to go on, adventuring, having fun, watching my grand children grow up. I wish everyone a happy year ahead. Hope it’s fragrant, too.

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  31. Thanks for this question, Portia, and thanks to all who have responded, you are an amazing community of individuals and I have loved reading your posts and being reminded of what matters.

    I am grateful for my daughter, who tells me she loves me several times a day, who addressed me very seriously tonight about us not spending enough time together as a family; who would take a bullet for a cat or dog but is inconsolable when someone is unkind to her; who is trying so hard to understand how the world works and her place in it. I am more and more aware that no-one will ever love me like she does and I am incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to experience this.

    I am grateful for my partner, and I don’t show it well enough or often enough. He is one for small kindnesses – taking my car out to get washed, fixing little things without telling me, getting me coffee on weekends. These things are important and I need to be more aware of them as they happen.

    I am grateful for my supportive, non-judgmental friends and our conversations that let us share, support, vent and laugh no matter what we’re going through. And this friendship includes, I hope, so many people here and on other perfume sites, people that I have exchanged emails and messages with, received gifts from – and intend to return in kind – and who have given me a place to simply be. Thank you.

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