How Being Thankful Helps You Grow

Today, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Medium platform, the dedicated editors behind each publication, and the talented writers whose words illuminate our world.

Every year, as my birthday draws near and the calendar gently nudges me into a new chapter, I find myself pausing to take stock of all that has shaped my life.

It is a moment of humble gratitude, a soft inventory of blessings: my loving husband, two sons, five energetic grandsons, and a circle of friends whose loyalty has spanned decades, especially my best friend who has stood by me for over 40 years.

My lifestyle may be modest, but it is deeply comfortable, wrapped in the warmth of a cozy home, a tranquil courtyard garden alive with wild birds, and the vibrant blooms nurtured by my husband’s green thumb.

My journey hasn’t always been sprinkled with petals. There were stretches where thorns pricked and uncertainty clouded the path.

Yet, each challenge seemed to come with an unseen assurance; what I now understand as the universe gently holding me up and propelling me forward.

When I first arrived in Australia from India as a young girl, I carried little more than hope and four dollars in my pocket. My partner and I clung tightly to our dreams and the faith that somehow, we would carve out something good.

Those early days were a test of resilience, where every small triumph felt monumental. But over time, thanks to unwavering perseverance and a measure of good fortune, I found my footing.

My entrepreneurial spirit took root, and I realized my dream of running a successful beauty college, a venture that flourished for decades.

Through a series of astute investments and the sequential ownership of seven properties, each of which I occupied and ultimately sold at a substantial profit, I was able to solidify my financial foundation while lawfully minimising capital gains tax.

Today, as I survey the landscape of my life, I do so from a place of security, not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually.

But what do you do when you reach a point where the world expects you to slow down, to drift into the gentle rhythms of retirement, lunches and coffees with friends, familiar routines, quiet days?

While I appreciate those pleasures, I have always been a creator at heart, my mind forever seeking new outlets for expression.

Retirement, for me, is not an end but a transition, a new canvas awaiting colour.

The community I’ve found on Medium has filled my days with unexpected richness and connection.

I am grateful to fellow writers who have shared their stories so openly, to those who have offered advice or encouragement, and to the very platform that has made this chapter so rewarding.

I’ve taken on new gigs: reviewing books, dabbling in flash fiction and nonfiction, and even landing my first non-fiction piece on a hybrid site just yesterday. Each opportunity feels like a gentle nudge from the universe, affirming that it’s never too late to reinvent oneself or try something new.

There is a recurring theme in my life; a principle that has guided me, sometimes quietly and sometimes with a voice that refused to be ignored: always do what you love, and the money will follow.

It is a simple idea, but one that holds profound wisdom. When you pour passion and purpose into your work, when your actions are fuelled by genuine interest rather than the pursuit of profit, you create a magnetic energy.

The universe responds to this energy, opening unexpected doors, sending just the right people or opportunities your way, and ensuring your needs are met.

We often hear the advice to “follow your passion,” but I have lived its truth.

Whether building a business from scratch, nurturing a family, tending a garden, or penning stories late into the night, I have found that abundance is not always measured in dollars.

The real rewards come in the form of meaningful connections, the satisfaction of creation, and the peace of a life lived authentically.

Even now, with age measured in numbers larger than I care to admit, I find myself unconcerned with “dollar signs” or conventional measures of success.

For me, fulfillment comes from contributing, sharing, helping, and continuing to grow.

As a Lifeline crisis supporter, as an author of children’s books, as a volunteer reader at the library, and now as the solo editor of my online magazine, “Beauty and Beyond.” I’m not sure I set this pub as a one-person “online magazine” up correctly, even after following the videos and instructions. Still, it seems to work for what I need and keeps it separate from the main profile stories. If anyone can help with this, please message me!

In the meantime, although I have been fortunate enough to receive invitations to contribute to numerous publications, I have chosen to focus my efforts on just three. Each has supported and inspired me, thanks in large part to their dedicated editors and wonderful communities.

My heartfelt gratitude to all who have made this journey possible!

I am reminded daily that the universe has my back, so long as I show up and do what I love.

If there is any lesson to be shared from my story, it is this: trust the process, invest in yourself, and follow the quiet callings of your heart. Don’t be afraid to try, to stumble, to start over. The universe is generous with those who walk their path with intention and joy.

At this stage in my life, I am deeply thankful for every twist and turn, every leap of faith, and every supportive soul who has crossed my path.

My story is still unfolding, one passion project at a time, and I do not doubt that as long as I keep doing what I love, the rest will always fall into place.

Thank you for reading, dear friends. Keep on your Path of Purpose ღ

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This post was previously published on Write A Catalyst.

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