SEC-S30W3: The things I am thankful for.

Hi guys, accept warmth Steem greetings from the motherland of Cameroon, and welcome to my blog, where I'm gonna share my thoughts on the challenge topic “The things I am thankful for.”

The start of the year 2026 may have stumbled out of the gate for me, carrying with it unexpected challenges, quiet anxieties, and moments that test my strength. Yet even in the midst of these uncertainties, there remains a powerful, grounding force that keeps me going which warrants me to show gratitude today.

At some point, it takes us some time to pause, breathe, reflect and realise that even in difficult seasons, there are still reasons to show gratitude. Not because life is perfect, but because gratitude helps us see light even when the sky feels overcast.

For me, one of the deepest sources of gratitude in 2026 is the simple, yet profound reality that my children can now study freely. For over eight years, we lived in a conflict-affected region in the North West of Cameroon. Life there was far from ordinary, it was marked by frequent lockdowns, imposed without warning, and the constant echo of gunshots and explosives that disrupted both day and night. Those sounds were more than just noise, they were daily reminders of fear, instability, and the fragile nature of safety.

Schools would close abruptly, routines were shattered, and the emotional toll on the children was immense. Watching them try to focus on their studies amidst such chaos was heartbreaking. As a parent, the weight of wanting to protect them while feeling powerless in that environment was overwhelming.

That is why I am deeply grateful for the decision I took to relocate. It was not an easy choice, leaving behind family, community, and everything we had built over the years but it was necessary. Today, seeing my children wake up, prepare for school without fear, and learn in a peaceful environment fills my heart with relief and pride. Their minds are more focused, and their future feels possible again. That alone is a blessing I will never take for granted.

Another reason I hold onto gratitude this year is the gift of good health, something that was truly tested in recent months. My husband fell ill for nearly two months, and during that time, the responsibility of everything rested on my shoulders. Caring for the children, managing the home, and keeping up with my workload became a daily balancing act that pushed me to my limits.

There were days when exhaustion felt unbearable, when the pressure seemed too heavy to carry. I remember moments when I thought I might break under the weight of it all, yet somehow, I kept going. I am grateful that despite the stress and fatigue, I did not fall seriously ill or require hospitalisation. Strength showed up in ways I did not expect, and resilience became my quiet companion.

Even more importantly, I am grateful that my husband is now on the path to recovery. While he is not yet fully back to his old self, the improvement is enough to bring hope. The fact that he can now assist with simple routines, like school runs, feels like a huge relief. It is a reminder that healing, even when slow, is still progress.

In sum, gratitude does not erase the hardships we face, but I know it helps me to reshape how I carry on. It reminds me that even in seasons of struggle, there are victories that deserve to be acknowledged. Sharing these moments of gratitude in 2026 not only uplift myself, but also inspires others to find light in their own journeys.

I'm inviting my friends @suboohi, @heriadi and max-pro to participate in the challenge if they have not yet participated.