When my husband and I were first married, a package arrived in the mail from my friend Tracy. She was a few years ahead of us in the newlywed department, and her gift to us was a gratitude journal. Being a teacher, she filled out a few pages with examples of how a gratitude journal is intended to be used between spouses: every day, they wrote a measure of gratitude expressing appreciation for one another. Sometimes simple, always sweet – we LOVED the idea and embraced it for our own marriage, too. It’s fun to look back at our gratitude journals over the years that we’ve been married, as in many ways they are simply lists of what we love about each other. It’s funny, too, to read between the lines of moments when he and I have clashed, yet still written our gratitude for that day – “Hi honey, I’m so grateful when you put your socks in the hamper. I love it when you pick up after yourself!” Ahem.
A few years ago, I made some changes in my life. I felt burdened by external sources of negativity, and I knew that the best way to create positivity for myself was to recognize my everyday blessings – not just the big ones, though they, too, are easy to take for granted – but the small things. The little moments and comforts and experiences and people and places that bring me joy. So, I began carrying a little notebook, and in those pages I began to list the Things I Love.
At first, I felt silly writing down such simple things. Like, when a radio station plays my favorite song. Or when my cup of hot tea stays warm longer than I expect. Discovering a new walking trail with wildflowers in bloom beside it. Unexpectedly running into a friend. But, I no longer consider those little observations to be silly – I just recognize them for the blessings they are, and how valuable it is to turn my mind to the goodness surrounding me. I truly began to count my blessings, and in doing so I found an immeasurable gratitude for my life and the the little moments within it.
I love many things. Sometimes I come across things I love accidentally, and other times I seek out the new. I want to use this little space to share some of the Things I Love… today.
Today, I love
Puppy cuddles
Hot water bottles in bed on a cold night
Reality Steve for his gossip and scornful season spoilers of The Bachelor
Cackling at irony (with many thanks to Pam who pointed it out to me)
Discovering bib necklaces, which I plan to make this weekend with thrifted costume jewelry for a little friend’s five year old birthday – only much more bright and sparkly then depicted!
Maya Angelou’s quote: “This is my life. It is my one time to be me. I want to experience every good thing.”
The way Annabelle says, “Can I have a sweet, juicy, crunchy apple slice, pleeeeeeeeeeease?” (she’s very into adjectives lately) and then making this expectant and silly face:
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