What are you thankful for?

Homeschooling.

We’re almost finished week two of homeschooling. I don’t find it easy and take my hat off to people holding down a full time job whilst doing this. A friend suggested changing the words ‘home schooling’ to ‘remote learning’ to take away my sense of responsibility for my children’s learning at this time. I’m not sure anything would take away my sense of responsibility, after all, they’re my children! To be honest, although I find it stressful I’m happy they are safe at home. I’m thankful that the government decided this is the best way forward.

Ardent is still trading!!

With tougher restrictions now in place, many businesses large and small have had to either alter their way of trading or close completely. Our business is our sole income, and has been now for over a year. During the last lock down we had to stop trading completely for over 5 weeks, it was tough and we were thankful for the little help available to us.

This time round we can trade, however only on construction sites and essential maintenance. This means the pressure is on to make sure we can keep trading. Finding sites and tendering competitively and quickly to keep us all in work.

We also work with a loss adjuster who has us as their preferred decorators. We don’t underestimate the work it took to get us there. We are thankful for our networking groups!

Positive steps.

Last year my aim was to get through the year without any of us contracting covid, or even having to be tested. When it got to the end of the year I realised that this was maybe a step too far, I now don’t care about being tested. I’d still rather we didn’t contract this awful virus. Lockdown is a positive step towards my aim, especially now there is a vaccine. I am eternally thankful for the people who worked tirelessly to create these vaccines.

Protecting ourselves and our future.

We must safeguard our business as we must our families. This is no mean feat and I’m thankful that between us we can get through it together. Having an ear to listen and someone to bounce ideas off of is so important just now. Reassurance is everything! You might not get this at home, or from a business associate. It’s important to find your person.

Find someone who offers you reassurance. You might not need solutions, and they might not be able to give them. However having someone tell you you’re doing the right thing, that you’re doing well, to carry on and that we will get through this! These words mean everything just now.

Being thankful.

We are thankful that our domestic customers will wait until it’s safe to undertake their work.

We are thankful that the contractors we work with keep us safe on their sites.

We are thankful that the government have taken the decision to let us be safe at home.

We are thankful that there is now a vaccine rolling out.

We’re thankful we have Hamish to make us exercise, get fresh air and human contact, even if it’s just a wave.

We’re thankful for TV and endless entertainment packages.

We’re thankful for social media, feeling connected makes such a difference!

We’re thankful that our suppliers are being responsible and can stay open.

We’re thankful for front line workers, barring the door that would let this virus run wild!

We’re thankful for teachers, working around something unimaginable.

We’re thankful that our children understand and are willing to stay within the rules.

We’re thankful that our vulnerable are being protected again.

I didn’t expect that we’d have so much to be thankful for. Maybe writing a list will make you feel a little more positive and thankful!

Lastly we are thankful for our customers and cheerleaders.

Thank you for your understanding and patience at this time. We promise we’re worth the wait!

The painters wife xxx