Of Gratitude and Such

"I still remember the days when I wished for the things I already have today"

This is a quote that stays with me, and on the days when I don't feel like much happiness in me, I try to remember this quote and be grateful for how far I have come. The most obvious evidences would be material, and shallow as that sounds I think it's not something to be sneezed at either. I suppose when you are counting your blessings, every little blessing count (pun intended =p). So here's a short list of how much has changed between now and probably say, 5 years ago :

1. I can indulge in my love of luxury toiletries. It used to be I'd use more drugstore brands but nowadays the bathroom is peppered with L'occitane, Crabtree & Evelyn, Bath & Body Works, etc. I love myself a good shower so these little luxuries are really a treat and I'm grateful that I'm in a place that I can afford them :).
2. Bags! I still remember how excited I was when I bought my first "luxury" bag (a Longchamp Le Pliage tote in Bilberry) in Changi Airport as a birthday treat :) And this year, I got myself an LV (Turenne PM in Monogram) after 11 years of working...with a few other bags in between >_< As the collection grows, I can only be thankful.
3. Ferragamo's signature Vara Bow shoes. I never thought I'd splurge so much on a pair of shoes, but when I wear them I seldom think of the cost and just enjoy wearing them ;) They do "liven up" an outfit and I love that they suit both the corporate environment and a wedding dinner. I used to think I would want to baby whatever shoes that I splurge on, but now I take a different view i.e if I spent so much on them, I better make sure I use them in as much occasions as possible.
4. Nice digs during travelling. After the first time of booking a somewhat "fancy" hotel for our Siem Reap trip in 2014 (at discounted rates), I have been hooked! With the limited annual leave we have (half of which is allocated to trips home, both his and mine), we tend to travel to nearby places in South East Asia for our trips abroad. Seeing that we don't take long breaks, I figured we can splurge on some quality accommodation. It does give a different feeling to the trips as sometimes after a tiring day, you would like to go back to a hotel which is pleasing and has all the creature comforts one might crave. And since you're on holiday anyways, a little indulgence is probably due ;)
5. Eating out. When I first moved here often times I would "trek" out to Wisma Central for lunches, seeing that it's a bit more affordable. But more and more I find myself able to enjoy my meals in KLCC, and I know that comes with some measure of financial security. Blessed!

These are some of the more obvious things I can think of with regards to how things have changed for me, and I thought I should list it down just so I can always remember how far I have come and there are much to be thankful for, always.