Thankful for the blessings, thankful for the opportunities, thankful for the challenges. Thank you 2013, for opening new roads, for taking me and my family on a wonderful and blessed journey this year.
Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough. — Oprah Winfrey
This was the year I went back to the corporate world after 2 years of being a WAHM. I am thankful to Peachy and Jeremy for welcoming me back into the crazy world of advertising. (Or is it I, who am crazy, for going back? Har har!)
This was the year my son started schooling, and what a blessing that has been in building his social skills, but best of all, his speech development.
This was the year we went on family trips, showing Timmy the beauty of Baguio and the warmth of Cebu.
This was the year friendships were strengthened. This was the year new friendships were made.
This was the year I got reacquainted with my love for reading. I have a Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge: To read 50 books by the end of the year. I’m on my 45th book now. 5 more books to read…. in 13 days! That can be done. 
This was the year financial healing was most needed, as the need for physical healing was at its height. Our family fell prey to sickness several times a year, and as of this writing, I am recovering from a nasty bout with bronchitis. But I am thankful that we always bounce back, and that we retain our optimism despite the emotional toll sickness brings.
More recently, this was the year of spiritual healing. I’m not a religious person, but I have my faith. It was a rediscovery of trust in Him and in the Holy Family, inspired by one strong in her relationship with Jesus (my sister Jennie) and one blessed with a quiet, inner peace (my father). I am most thankful to them for the gentle rekindling of my faith.
Every year is tough, but every year brings with it new blessings and always, always, a reminder of many things to be thankful for.
How has your 2013 been? What are you thankful for?
Hi! I'm Toni Tiu,
and I've been blogging at
at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.
Ma. Teresa Grech Quiatchon Racal
December 18, 2013 at 1:04 pm (9 years ago)aaawww…. this post is really a good one… this inspires me to write what I am thankful for this 2013… Will definitely share it with you…
Toni
December 19, 2013 at 12:10 am (9 years ago)I look forward to it!
Ma. Teresa Grech Quiatchon Racal
December 31, 2013 at 8:04 pm (9 years ago)hi! here is the post that I am thankful for…
http://my24hourjob.blogspot.com/2013/12/thank-you-and-goodbye-2013.html
Ma. Teresa Grech Quiatchon Racal´s last blog post ..Thank You And Goodbye 2013
Toni
February 6, 2014 at 6:06 am (9 years ago)Just read it, Grech! Lovely gratitude post! Thanks for sharing
cheekeegirl
December 18, 2013 at 4:55 pm (9 years ago)Thank you Ms. Toni for sharing your whole to us. Happy Holidays
Toni
December 19, 2013 at 12:10 am (9 years ago)Happy holidays!
Faye
December 18, 2013 at 11:41 pm (9 years ago)Thanks for this inspiring post Toni! wrote a similar post last year http://tibsandfaye.blogspot.com/2012/11/grateful-existence.html, but I think it’s a good exercise to blog about things to be thankful for every single year. So yes, I’m going to make time to finish that post.
Toni
December 19, 2013 at 12:11 am (9 years ago)Excited to read it, Faye!
A Gracious Life
December 20, 2013 at 7:47 am (9 years ago)I love this. And like your other readers, this inspires me to look at what I really have. I’ve been thinking , “2013 is such a difficult year.” While reading this I thought, “Maybe it’s not.” I should reevaluate. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
A Gracious Life´s last blog post ..Those Phone Calls
Toni
December 29, 2013 at 12:13 am (9 years ago)Happy holidays to you!
janakidiary
December 23, 2013 at 12:29 pm (9 years ago)Happy holidays to you and your family. May 2014 bring you more blessings and all things to be grateful for
Toni
December 29, 2013 at 12:12 am (9 years ago)Thank you! Happy holidays and a blessed new year to you too!
Rye
December 27, 2013 at 2:40 am (9 years ago)Glad 2013 wasa. Good one for you. I, too, had a wonderful 2013 but hoping, make that planning for an even greater 2014 😉
Rye´s last blog post ..Leadership Lessons from Nelson Mandela
Toni
December 29, 2013 at 12:04 am (9 years ago)I support that! 😉 Thanks Coach Rye! 😀