The Little Things I’m Most Grateful For With My Ostomy
Learning Gratitude After Surgery
In the early days after surgery, gratitude felt far away. I was just trying to get through each day , learning how to care for my stoma, manage my supplies, and rebuild my confidence.
But as time went on, I began noticing the quiet blessings that came with this new way of living. Gratitude didn’t happen overnight, but slowly it turned frustration into perspective.
Grateful for What My Body Can Do
My ostomy is proof that my body fought hard for me and won. I’m grateful that it works, that it healed, and that it allows me to live.
Even when I see the scars or hear the rumbles, I’m reminded that my body is strong and still here. That’s something worth celebrating every single day.
Grateful for Small Comforts
These days, gratitude shows up in simple ways, a quiet morning, yoga pants that fit just right, a pouch change that goes smoothly, or a warm shower that resets everything.
Little moments of comfort are what make this life feel normal again. They remind me that joy doesn’t have to be big to be real.
Grateful for Confidence Returning
There was a time I wondered if I’d ever feel confident again. Now, I notice gratitude in the mirror, not because everything is perfect, but because I’ve learned to see beauty in strength.
I’m grateful for the clothes that make me feel good, the routines that make me feel secure, and the confidence that’s grown from trial and error.
Grateful for Freedom
I used to think my ostomy would hold me back. Instead, it’s given me freedom the freedom to live, travel, and eat without fear.
I’m thankful that I can get on a plane, take a walk, or simply enjoy dinner with friends without worrying about what could go wrong. Every bit of freedom feels like a gift.
Finding Gratitude in the Everyday
Gratitude doesn’t mean pretending everything is easy. It means noticing what’s still good and choosing to focus on that.
Even on the messy days, I can always find something: comfort, calm, or the quiet reminder that I’ve come a long way from where I started.
Gratitude has taught me to stop waiting for everything to feel “normal.” Life with an ostomy is my normal and it’s full of moments worth appreciating.
Every small comfort, every smooth travel day, every peaceful morning adds up to a life I’m proud of. That’s what I’m thankful for.
You May Also Like
The People Who Got Me Through It — My story of those first few days after surgery and how support made all the difference.
Traveling With an Ostomy: What I’ve Learned — Practical tips for packing, flying, and feeling confident on the go.
Love,
LeeAnne
P.S. If this message spoke to you, I’d love for you to share it on your social channels or with someone who needs a little encouragement today. And if you’re part of my Ostomy Living email list keep an eye out, because I’ll be sharing a few of my favorite gratitude reminders there this week.
