[:en]Some posts back I wrote about how hard it is for me to actually appreciate what I have accomplished and achieved and that I have a hard time living in the present and actually appreciating what I’ve got. For that very reason I’ve sat down and actually thought about my current status in life and have spent the afternoon making a gratitude list. I’ve written down every single thing I can think of that I’m grateful for at the moment and to my surprise the list is too long to post in here and here I was thinking “I’m glad if I can come up with three things”.
So what’s actually on my list you might wonder? Well, here are a few samples:
- I’m alive. Does it sound too obvious? Well it isn’t. A bit over a year ago it wasn’t at all something I could take for granted. I was on the verge of dying, but life chose me. One year later it’s easy to think, “so what?”, but today I actually thoroughly thought about that I might not be sitting here writing this blog post at all. Instead, my family and my friends would be gathering around my grave tomorrow as we commemorate All Hallows Eve in Sweden on which we pay our respect to our beloveded deceased ones by placing candles of their graves.
- I have a beautiful home, I’m financially stable (although not economically indepent…yet), have a 9-5 job with wonderful colleagues, have a full time job blogging about my life with a twist of fashion, beauty and travels, have amazing friends and basically, I have nothing to complain about.
- My trip has only begun. I bought this sweater in June this summer when I was in Paris. That was before I started blogging and only had Instagram as a semi hobby. I couldn’t even have imagined that I today am a brand ambassador for that very same brand I adored so much alredy back then. To be an ElevenParis ambassador is just one of the many things my blogging has given me, but the most important thing it has given me is the self esteem, knowing my self worth and that I keep growing as a person for every comment I get, whether it be out on town, through Facebook or in the comment field below. I am truly blessed! But like I said, my trip has only begun and who knows what awaits me. I’m more than ecstatic about finding out where this path will lead.
Shirt: Weekday
Sweater: ElevenParis
Jeans: River Island
Shoes: H&M[:sv]För ett tag sedan skrev jag ett inlägg om hur svårt jag har för att faktiskt se allt det jag åstadkommit, hur långt jag har kommit och att jag aldrig är nöjd med något. Jag skrev också att jag har svårt att leva i nuet, vilket inte är en överdrift, utan något jag jobbar på kontinuerligt. Så för att faktiskt få bukt på detta har jag hela denna mysigt regniga dag suttit och gjort en tacksamhetslista där jag till en början våndades över att jag inte kommer få ihop ett dyft då jag ju för fan inte är tacksam över något. Men detta vände snart och listan blev så lång att den inte ens går att publicera här. Eller går och går, förvisso gör den det, men SÅ intresserad är ingen av mitt liv, inte ens jag.
Så vad är jag då tacskam för? Här är några axplock:
- Jag lever. Det må låta som en självklarhet, men är långtifrån självklart. Lite mer än ett år sedan svävade jag mellan liv och död och hade inte saker och ting gått som de gjorde skulle släktingar och vänner samlas runt min grav imorgon för att tända ljus till mitt minne. Det är trots allt Allhelgonaafton imorgon och jag tror att åtminstone några skulle ta sig ut i ur och skur till min grav på Skogskyrkogården (just det, vem som än får uppgiften att begrava mig i fall av bråd död, det är där jag vill bli begraven, bara så ni vet).
- Jag har ett vackert hem, jag har ett heltidsjobb med underbara kollegor, jag har det bra ställt ekonomiskt även om jag inte är ekonomiskt obunden (än) och jag har utöver det förmånen att kunna blogga om mitt liv med en nypa mode, skönhet och resor. Jag har det bra helt enkelt.
- Det här är bara början. När jag köpte den här tröjan (som ni nog sett till ledes på mitt Instagramkonto vid det här laget) i juni under en resa till Paris hade jag ingen aning om att jag blott ett halvår senare skulle vara brand ambassador (märkesambassadör om ni så vill) för ElevenParis när jag stod där i butiken och undrade vilket av alla deras underbara plagg jag skulle köpa. Även det är jag tacksam för, men det är bara en liten del av vad min blogg gett mig. Det största och viktigaste bloggen gett mig är självförtroende, ett egenvärde, och självkänsla och det är genom alla kommentarer på stan, via Facebook eller i kommentatorsfältet här nedan detta är möjligt. Självfallet ligger hårt arbete på att bli en bättre människa i grunden, men ju mer jag ger världen, desto mer ger den tillbaka. Men jag är inte klar, det här är som sagt bara början och det är med en extatisk och nästintill euforisk känsla jag ser fram emot vart allt detta bär hän.
Skjorta: Weekday
Tröja: ElevenParis
Jeans: River Island
Sneakers: H&M[:]
Heidi Raisma
November 4, 2016 at 4:42 pm?
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:28 pmKärlek tillbaka, kära Heidi! <3
Linh Dao
November 4, 2016 at 6:15 pmWow Thomas, I’m glad you are doing something great for yourself and glad you are alive because we would have never met the wonderful you! Thanks for being so open! Love you dearly! Keep up the great work darling!
Love, Linh
http://xcapewithlinh.com/im-so-into-you/
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:29 pmThank you so much darling! Lots of love back!
Stephanie
November 4, 2016 at 8:08 pmIf I were to begin a list, I know I would include the fact that I’m grateful for your presence in my life (which means I’m SO glad you’re alive to be present in my life). I feel like I’m missing part of your story there, but one way or another, I’m happy you’re continuing your story and sharing it with all of us who are blessed enough to read it.
Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:30 pmStephanie, your comment went straight to my heart and I’m keeping it safe in there with all other good things that make me happy. You’re one of a kind!
xoxo
Thomas
Brittany
November 4, 2016 at 8:46 pmThanks for being so open- it is always good to look at the positives and gain some perspective.
<3
http://www.outofofficeny.com/put-some-south-in-yo-mouth/
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:30 pmThanks for reading! 🙂
xoxo
Thomas
Sharon Wu
November 4, 2016 at 8:53 pmThat sitting shot is my fave of you here, Thomas! So good! Thank you for this reminder to be grateful. One thing I know I’m grateful for is the fact that I have you as a friend and that you make time out of your busy day every day to put up with me! 😉 LOL. hehehe. And… yes, I’m grateful for a roof over my head, family, friends, etc. as well! Never stop inspiring, Thomas! Have a wonderful weekend and try to get some rest lol xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/the-great-gatsby/
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:31 pmBusy? Me? Naah, I basically just lay on my couch 16 hours a day chatting with you 😉 Loves ya!
Jo
November 4, 2016 at 9:04 pmThe images in this post are priceless, Thomas! This is a great reminder post as I really needed it. You are right as there are so many beautiful things in our lives we should be grateful for. I complain about my job but again there are so many people who lost their jobs in the industry I am in. I am especially grateful that I met you through blogging. You are such a kind soul. Hopefully our path will cross one day so I can get to meet you in person.
xo,
Jo
http://www.glamfashoinbook.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:32 pmWell thank you on both the compliments on the images as well as the content. I know by now that our paths really will meet someday soon and I am so grateful to have made friends with you through blogging!
Love,
Thomas
Hadasah Love | Style To Love
November 4, 2016 at 9:27 pmGorgeous! Love it 🙂
XOXO, Hadasah Love
http://www.styletolove.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:32 pmThanks Hadash! 🙂
xoxo
Thomas
Eric K
November 4, 2016 at 9:45 pmYou are always reminding me my old habits … Writing things that you are grateful for is an amazing one . I’m always grateful for everything I have, and because of that I always get more or path to get more is open for me … Very important buddy . Love this blog . My fav
http://www.erickfasion.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:33 pmThank you so much for your kind words Eric, you keep inspiring me to keep going!
Danielle
November 4, 2016 at 10:33 pmNeed to take a lesson from you and make a list of my own! I love that you did this and now have it on here to look back on down the road. Looking SO fab in that sweater, which I’m obsessed with by the way, and I adore the layered look!!
Xx Danielle | Pineapple & Prosecco
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:34 pmThank you sweet Danielle! Your comment means a lot to me! 🙂
xoxo
Thomas
Bernice
November 4, 2016 at 10:51 pmI always love your sense of style! And yes it is important for us all to be grateful for the things we have and where we are in life. I’m sure the list of things you’re grateful for is too long to put in this post! Have a good day Thomas xx
http://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2016/11/04/Love-comes-in-all-sizes
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:35 pmThanks Bernice! 🙂 For starters, I’m very grateful of this comment! 🙂
xoxo
Thomas
Isabel
November 4, 2016 at 11:30 pmI was missing your posts and when I came here to check it all I found this amazing one 🙂
You are truly special my dear and being grateful means that you deserve all the good things that are happening in your life.
I’m so glad you are here to tell us how to do it 🙂
Keep up the good work, your blog is my fav one.
Bisous,
Isabel
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:37 pmAww Isabel. You’re truly one of a kind! Thank you!
Bisous,
Thomas
Samantha Mariko
November 5, 2016 at 12:37 amIt’s good to step back sometimes and appreciate what we have than what we don’t have. I have to do this once in a while to take a breather 🙂 nice outfit post!
http://www.samanthamariko.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:38 pmI’m glad you can relate and that you’ve come to appreciate a breather every now and then. Thanks for the compliment! 🙂
Jo
November 5, 2016 at 12:45 amThanks for this post! It truly is so important to take a moment to remember the things to be grateful for. Admittedly, I often forget to do this, instead getting caught up with work, the stress of what still needs to be done, and well, life!! So thanks for the reminder to stop for a moment and reflect on all there is to be grateful for.
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:39 pmAs much as you’re thankful for this post, I’m thankful for your comment. Let’s me know I’m not alone out there. 🙂
xoxo
Thomas
Caprice Bianca
November 5, 2016 at 1:27 amIt’s nice to write down what we are grateful for to remind ourselves once in awhile. I can learn a lot from you! I have the same tee shirt ?
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:40 pmAaah, that means we’re siblings then? Haha. 🙂
Yasmin
November 5, 2016 at 2:37 amFor someone who’s only recently started your blog, it’s fantastic! And so professional. Your images are beautiful as well. And I love that sweater.
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:40 pmThank you so much Yasmin! Comments like yours keep me going! 🙂
xoxo
Thomas
Atsuna Matsui
November 5, 2016 at 2:57 amOmg so cool to know that you’ve grown so far with your blog to get to the point where you are today. 🙂 Hehe reading your blog posts always gets me more inspired and motivated to keep grinding and hustling. I’d love to see a post of what the inside of your home looks like some day!
xoxo
http://www.atsunamatsui.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:41 pmOoh, a home interior request. Who knows, maybe I’ll do an interior post when it gets closer to Christmas with all the decorations up and stuff. 🙂
xoxo
Thomas
Jordan Chapman
November 5, 2016 at 3:32 amIt seems like you’re really making your way in the world!! You’ll have these memories to look back on in the future!
xxx
Jordan
http://www.thehatlogic.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:42 pmThank you so much for actually pointing out for me what this post was about. Sometimes you don’t realize what you’ve written until someone else gives you some perspective. 🙂
xoxo
Thomas
Helen Chik
November 5, 2016 at 5:47 amWhat a fantastic post mister! I think people in our generation very often forget to remind ourselves of what we should be grateful for and this post is such a great reminder!!
Helen xx
https://ch1k.com/why-i-quit-my-job
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:43 pmVery true. Our forefathers would’ve considered us spoiled brats (which we in many respects are…)
xoxo
Thomas
Miki
November 5, 2016 at 6:05 amI love your photos. The one in front of Eiffel Tower is my favourite. These are great are nice tips. So awesome you get to work with a brand you love. 🙂 It’s a really nice reminder to be grateful for all the things we have going for us. 🙂
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:51 pmThank you so much Miki! 🙂 I’m really happy about it too and I’m glad you like the pictures!
xoxo
Thomas
Frank Lin
November 5, 2016 at 7:44 amThomas, this is such a wonderful post and it makes me want to write gratitude list, too. We should be way more thankful for all the things we have.
Btw. I’m pretty glad you’re alive!!
X frank
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:52 pmThank you so much, Frank. It means a lot to me coming from you and if I weren’t alive I wouldn’t get to meet you, now would I? 🙂
xx
Thomas
Kathryn
November 5, 2016 at 3:44 pmOh my gosh cannot get enough of your sweater… Also it’s so easy to take things for granted in life. Love that you’ve taken the time to write them all down & reflect on all of them — so important! Thanks for sharing Thomas 🙂
Xx, K
http://www.jassamineelaine.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:56 pmThank you sweet Katrhyn! Your comment truly made me happy! 🙂
xoxo
Thomas
Christine Kong
November 5, 2016 at 5:17 pmGratitude is something we have to practice everyday and it is such a game changer. If we see things with gratitude, our whole attitude changes and we become positive and happy. Thanks for sharing your personal stories and the things you are grateful for. I think we all need a little reminder like this to help us out! xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:57 pmThank you for taking the time reading this post, dear!
xoxo
Thomas
Deddeh Howard
November 5, 2016 at 5:31 pmYou know something we all forget to appreciate what we have and it’s so healthy to come back to that. I love your story and how you’re happy. Such a great and inspiring post. Oh and that Paris shot is breath taking.
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:57 pmThank you so much for your kind words! You’re simply adorable Deddeh! 🙂
xoxo
Thomas
Muriëlle van Schaik
November 5, 2016 at 6:26 pmI really love your style! Wish more men would dress like you!
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:57 pmAww thank you so much! 🙂
gracie
November 5, 2016 at 9:42 pmHealth is something none of us should take for granted, I love your positive posts and how grateful you are !!!! It’s so inspiring to hear your thoughts & read your posts. Good energy is contagious, so keep it coming !
xx, gracie
snappedbygracie.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:58 pmI’m glad it’s contagious so I’ll try to keep it coming. 🙂
xoxo
Thomas
Jenn Hanft
November 5, 2016 at 10:42 pmAw this was such a lovely post! It’s always great to take a step to admire and appreciate everything you’re grateful for! It’s amazing that you’re now a brand ambassador for a company you love! You’ve come so far!! I’m definitely grateful for the support I’ve received from those around me and meeting so many individuals across the border in this blogging world. It’s so great that we can all lift each other higher!
XO Jenn
http://www.jennsemble.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 7:59 pmI’m so glad we’ve found each other in here too dear Jenn! 🙂
xoxo
Thomas
Jessie
November 6, 2016 at 2:15 amI love this post! sometimes I think we chase too many things that we don’t have and end up being unhappy. Being contented and cherish what we have is more important 🙂
Love the outfit in this post btw.
Xx
Jessie
http://4evajessie.com/hidden-gem-lane-ways-hong-kong/
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:00 pmThat is very true, Jessie. If we’d focus on what we have instead we wouldn’t feel miserable as much as we do!
xoxo
Thomas
Jen
November 6, 2016 at 3:19 amThis is so inspiring! Now I’m making a list of all the things I’m thankful for!
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:00 pmGlad I could be of inspiration! 🙂
Yuena Li
November 6, 2016 at 5:54 amAwwwww Thomas, you still have so much ahead of you. I’m glad you’re focusing on the good instead of the bad. We often take granted for what we have all the time. I remember what got me through the darker days was thinking it can ALWAYS be worse. Keep pushing!
With Love,
Yuena
http://simplyyue.wordpress.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:01 pmThank you so much Yuena! And yes, I’m trying to focus on the good nowadays and am glad people like you keep me focused on just that! 🙂
Love,
Thomas
Carissah
November 6, 2016 at 10:48 amThere are lots of things to be thankful for. This is a great post?? keep it up!
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:01 pmThank you so much Carissah! 🙂
Marcy
November 6, 2016 at 2:26 pmSuch a great post! Really enjoyed reading this! Thanks for Sharing
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:02 pmThanks a lot, Marcy! 🙂
Lady Goldapple
November 6, 2016 at 5:28 pmI did not know you where an ElevenParis ambassador. That is so cool. There is a lot to be grateful for, you’ve accomplished so much be proud babe, X Charissa
http://www.ladygoldapple.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:02 pmI know right! I just became one a while ago. 🙂 And thanks babe!
xoxo
Thomas
Aldora
November 6, 2016 at 6:12 pmAnother amazing share from you Thomas! I agree that being grateful is powerful to turn your life around for the better. And congrats on your ElevenParis ambassadorship! You deserve it for all the hard work you’ve put into your IG & blog 🙂
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:03 pmThank you so much, Aldora! I’m glad someone undertands how much work it actually is! 🙂
Kreshma
November 6, 2016 at 11:26 pmSo glad that u actually took time to write about this .. have always been proud of u my fiend 🙂
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:03 pmAww, Kreshma, you’re the sweetest! 🙂
Candace
November 7, 2016 at 1:15 amDefinitely need to take a step back and be more appreciative of what I have as well. I am so thankful I’m alive too because I wouldn’t be able to enjoy our wonderful world of fashion and get inspiration from others! That sweater is so nice on you and great styling per usual 🙂
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:04 pmThank you so much for your kind words, Candace! 🙂
Rachel
November 7, 2016 at 5:18 amGreat shots! Looks great!
http://chicglamstyle.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:04 pmThanks a lot, Rachel! 🙂
Darlene
November 7, 2016 at 5:40 pmWow congratulations on working with the brand you admire. It happened to me too, when I started blogging I said im going to work with this brand someday and it happened a year after. You look amazing and goodluck on more projects
x
Darlene
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:04 pmAww, thanks a lot Darlene! You’re a true inspiration!
xoxo
Thomas
Maryam
November 7, 2016 at 8:23 pmYou are such an inspiration! Thank you for this post and reminding us to be greatful! Love your positive energy!!!
xx, Maryam
http://www.glamandposh.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:05 pmJust as much as you’re an inspiration to me, Maryam!
xoxo
Thomas
diana
November 7, 2016 at 8:37 pm9 jobs, sounds so crazy! how do you find time to do blog?
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:05 pmHaha, hun, A (1) 9-5 job. Not 9 jobs, that would kill me more than what it already does with one…
Tania
November 7, 2016 at 9:45 pmLove these pictures in front of the Eiffel tower, the shots are epic! Thanks also for the reminder to count my blessings =)
xx freshfizzle
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:06 pmThanks, Tania! I appreciate your compliments! 🙂
xoxo
Thomas
samira
November 8, 2016 at 2:11 amso inspiring! love these photos as well and I have this shirt but in the girls tee version 🙂 looks great on you!!
xo, samira
wwe.leathertolunch.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:06 pmOhh, so cool! So we’re siblings now ain’t we? Haha.
xoxo
Thomas
gigi
November 8, 2016 at 4:08 amSuch beautiful words! Yes we all need to be more grateful right?! We all have so much good going in our lives, just need to realize it more!! Well said as always xx
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:07 pmHence, let’s be grateful! 🙂 Thanks for reading!
xoxo
Thomas
francesca
November 8, 2016 at 6:27 amthis is such a beautiful post! It’s all about taking a moment to think about things and take it all in and be thankful! xxx loved this post
francesca
Frank Vinyl : A California Fashion Blog
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:07 pmThank you for reading it my dear! 🙂
xoxo
Thomas
michenn
November 8, 2016 at 3:13 pmI love positive posts like these! I’ve been debating writing a gratitude journal for a while and I think your post inspired me to do that. It’s so easy to get caught up with life that we forget what we’re thankful for. Thank you for the reminder!
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:08 pmI’m glad I could inspire you, and when you do write it down, you’ll realize how much there is to be thankful for! 🙂
Natalia K
November 9, 2016 at 12:34 amI love this post Thomas gratitude is so important looking upon each achievement in our life and appreciating them is good for the soul thanks for this lovely post .
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:08 pmDear Natalia, thank you for reading and thanks for the compliments! 🙂
Molly Clifton
November 9, 2016 at 9:50 pmLove these photos. You look great my friend! There truly is so much to be thankful for if we take the time to stop and reflect. Thanks for inspiring me to practice gratitude today!
Keep smiling!
Molly | http://www.stylemissmolly.com
thomasfalkenstedt.com
November 15, 2016 at 8:09 pmThank you for inspiring me as much as you do, Molly! You’re a true inspiration! And thanks to you I do keep smiling 🙂
xoxo
Thomas