After being diagnosed with Shingles, I was sentenced to a week in quarantine at home. I couldn't see anybody, go to work or really be anywhere someone could be exposed.

That left me with a week to do nothing, but also a whole lot of somethings.

I spent a week on myself and as I return to work tomorrow, I feel refreshed as hell.

I spent a lot of time cleaning, mostly disinfecting everything. I baked a lot. Danced a lot. Sang a lot. Even picked up my guitar! I read a new book. I spent a lot of my time learning a new craft...cross-stitching! I spent hours watching movies and television, but what else am I supposed to do? Go for a run? Oh yeah, I went for a run for the first time in probably a year. Went on a couple of walks and enjoyed the sunshine and being outside on a weekday. I spent most of my time in my head, which most of the time I dread but I had intentional time to sit down with myself so it was a week of reflecting.

I kept rethinking about this saying I saw a while ago that said, "Remember that once you dreamed of being where you are now" and I'll be damned if I am ever ungrateful for what I have now. One year ago, all I wanted was a job that didn't require a uniform, gave me steady hours with a consistent schedule and was in my field. Now, I have all of that plus the bonus that I love the job, I'm loving the town I moved to, I love the people I work with and I love that I have my own space! So this week as I return to work, I have a goal to be extra grateful for my job, co-workers, (after I'm done with antibiotics, my health!), and everything else because a year ago, this is all I wanted.

What're you grateful for this week?