Since getting some bad news recently, it’s been hard to perk myself up and truly feel like ‘myself’. However there are things that have kept me feeling good, and that I really feel grateful for lately. I’m sure I’ll feel much better soon, but for now, here are 10 things I’m grateful for during this mopey time.

1. Good books – Is there anything quite as brilliant as getting lost in a good book? Crime thrillers and mysteries are my faves, and I’ve indulged in them a lot lately (Lincoln Rhyme ones mostly!).
2. Gary – I’m always grateful for Gary, but especially lately he’s been my rock. Always willing to do anything to make me smile, and nothing is ever too much trouble. I’d be absolutely lost without this man.
3. Things to look forward to – Staying positive is easier when good things are on the horizon. We have our big move to look forward to, our first Summer living together in Plymouth, decorating our new home, getting a dog, a new job for Gary and lots of little adventures to come.
4. Working from home – When you feel like shit, is there anything worst than having to drag your arse out of bed and plaster on a smile? I can’t tell you how bloody grateful I am right now that I don’t have to do that. I mean I’m always grateful for that, but the past few weeks I’ve counted my blessings everyday.
5. Luna – Cuddles with my little one have been very much needed, and she’s been more affectionate than ever! Every morning, every night, and even inbetween when I’m working; she’s come and found me for a good snuggle.

6. Contribution – When I’m feeling down, doing things for others brings me joy. So I’ve tried to keep that in mind and do a variety if things to spread some love and kindness if possible. Raising money for Planned Parenthood, donating sponsored post money to MIND, getting family involved in fund raising, and planning to volunteer somewhere have all been the focus in February so far, and I’m so grateful to be able to do so.
7. New hobbies – Pumping a bit of new life into an old routine feels SO good. I’ve started cycling now that my new bike has arrived, yaaay! I’ve wanted a bike for absolutely ages, and finally got myself one. I’ve also been keeping up with my regular ukulele lessons to myself (Youtube is amazing for tutorials haha), so I’m really happy about that.
8. New beauty products – If all else fails, retail therapy! I have only bought one or two bits here and there; but it feels nice to buy myself something for once, because I so rarely do. You’ll probably see some reviews popping up soon of my new buys! So keep an eye out.
9. Friends – So many lovely people to thank, I’d be here all day. Sorry you’ve put up with a mopey Jemma, but I so so appreciate it. Special shout out to Sharon & Beth for both sending me cute cards in the post, just to make me smile! ILY. It’s so important to have a good support system and I truly believe that. If you’re struggling you can always look at BetterHelp for a therapist near you. Talking really does help so many things.
10. Considerate brands – Recently I’ve been invited to some special events in London, and this happens a lot tbh, and I can never go. Anyway, upon recently telling one or two brands that unfortunately I couldn’t make it so far; they decided to send out samples for me anyway, and expressed their desire to work with me still. I thought this was really, really lovely! It definitely feels good to know I’m doing something right maybe.
What are you guys grateful for?
I miss cycling so much! I’m way too scared to cycle in London, and so haven’t done it at all for the past two years 🙁 I think once it gets a bit warmer I’ll have to go rent one of those Santander cycles and go around Hyde Park a few times! 😀
Ps. Your cat is so beautiful! <3
Laura // Middle of Adventure
Ohh you definitely should! That sounds lovely! ^_^
Awww, some of these things are so lovely!! I’m grateful for J, he’s also secretly checking my blog, make sure it’s looking perfect!! And my friends, ovbs!! xx
THIS IS SO SWEET <3
This is so lovelyyy and I’m grateful for good homecooked meals by Mum!! Am not looking forward to moving out any time soon
http://www.beeingshazeda.wordpress.com
This is lovely. I might need to do my own gratitude list to perk myself up too xx
Aww Jem, what a lovely post! I’m definitely grateful for cuddles with my cat, Harley. They make even the darkest day brighter! x http://www.aimeeraindropwrites.co.uk x
Aww this is so so cute!
New beauty products and friends are two things I’m so grateful for, love them both very much haha!
Lucy | Forever September
Such a great post! I love thinking about the positives in life!
Rachael xox
http://gatsbyandglamour.blogspot.com
This is such a lovely post- it’s so easy to get bogged down by stuff that I find it really important to take stock of the good things. I’m glad you have so many things to make you smile even in hard times lovely!
Ada x
adalovelacex.co.uk
Aww Jemma, such a wonderful post, so many things to be grateful for, good luck with your bike riding and volunteering, plus your move in May is going to be an exciting time for you. I’m so grateful for Adrain, Pepper, friends, oh the list could go on, even small things which I have sometimes taken for granted before. ILY too! Xxx
YOU’RE THE BESTEST SHARON <3
I totally know what you mean about the london invites, it hurts me so bad seeing people at them knowing I am hundreds of miles away! Makeup retail therapy is always a winner for me too lol Luna is adorable too,
Erin || MakeErinOver
Haha yeah I watch the invites pouring in and Im like NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO hahahaha x
I love this post idea! It’s so important to remind ourselves what we are grateful for.
xo, Liz
http://lipstickandconfetti.com
I love this post idea, a perfect pink me up for a day when you’re feeling down!
http://rosewaterreflections.blogspot.ca
So much to look forward to! Also, ahhhhh, I didn’t realise when you come down to Plymouth you’re also going to get a dog! what breed are you going to go for? Alice xxx
http://www.woodenwindowsills.co.uk
Honestly not sure! We already have a cat who is quite a scaredy kitten haha, so we need something that’ll be okay with cats! 🙂 xx
I’m sorry you’ve been having a bad time recently but it’s good that you can find positive things to focus on. I also love Lincoln Rhyme novels – Jeffrey Deaver is one of my favourite crime writers. Hope things pick up for you soon xx
These kind of posts are my fave!! We should be grateful for every (big or little) thing in our lives! I’m so grateful for my cat too! He’s my little fluffy shadow, he’s always with me… it makes me really happy <3 have a nice weekend Jemma! xx
aishettina.blogspot.it