LOH #261 BECOMING HER; MY JOURNEY TO HAPPINESS

Grateful for the Girl I’ve Become

When it comes to gratitude, it’s one of those feelings that can’t be forced. You can’t fake it, you can’t act it out — it just flows from somewhere deep inside. Gratitude has a way of humbling you, reminding you of how far you’ve come, and helping you see light even in places that once felt dark.

Today, I’m deeply grateful — not because everything is perfect, but because I can finally say I’m proud of the girl I’ve become. Earlier this year, I cried a lot. I battled through heartbreak, endless job applications that led nowhere, and a quiet war with my self-worth. I was too focused on everything I had lost — the relationships that didn’t work, the opportunities that slipped away, the times I felt unseen and unheard. I was busy counting losses, not realizing that I was slowly becoming stronger through every single one of them.

But life has a funny way of turning things around when you least expect it. These days, I smile — genuinely. I have a job, I got myself a better phone (a big win for my writing life, honestly 😅), and I’ve learnt to enjoy the little things again — like taking walks with my earbuds paying cool musics, journaling my thoughts, or laughing over something silly. I feel lighter now, freer somehow.

Yet, a few weeks ago, something hit me — even though my life is much better than it was at the start of 2025, I could have easily missed this joy if I hadn’t made a personal decision to count my blessings instead of my losses. Gratitude doesn’t always come naturally; sometimes, you have to choose it intentionally. You have to pause and say, “Wait, maybe things aren’t perfect, but I’m doing better than I was yesterday.”

That realization changed everything for me. I started noticing the small wins — waking up with peace of mind, having friends who check up on me, the way I’ve grown emotionally and mentally. I started appreciating my journey, even the messy parts, because they shaped the woman I am today.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that happiness doesn’t come from getting everything you want. It comes from being grateful for what you already have and trusting that what’s meant for you will come at the right time. Gratitude makes you see life differently — it softens your heart, silences comparison, and helps you bloom right where you are.

So today, I’m simply grateful. Grateful for the tears that taught me strength, for the setbacks that redirected me, and for the quiet moments that showed me how to smile again. Most importantly, I’m grateful for the girl I’ve become — a girl who finally learnt that true happiness starts with a thankful heart. ❤️

_Source