Yesterday was the last day of Positively Present’s 30-Day
Gratitude Challenge. I’ve done this challenge four times now, and every year I
learn something new about gratitude.
The point of the challenge, for me, is to become more aware
of the large and small things I’m grateful for. So many times they get lost in
the shuffle of daily living. I’m ashamed to say that I take many things for
granted. (I also loved reading other people’s #Gratitude30 entries. We’re all
so different, yet somehow the same!)
Here are a few of my favorite 2017 prompts (entries have
been slightly edited to remove Instagram-ese):
Day 1 (Beauty): I didn’t have to go far to find today’s
prompt… Just out my back door. Thanks to my husband, I have the backyard I’ve
always wanted. I’m grateful for his efforts, and for the beautiful flowers that
bloom nearly year-round in Florida.
Day 9 (Feelings): I used to be afraid that my feelings
would overwhelm me. Then I started taking yoga classes and learning about
meditation. I learned I could watch my feelings and thoughts, and that as long
as I didn’t cling to them or push them aside they would simply…flow (like the
ripples in this photo). Sometimes I write out my feelings, both to figure out
what they are, and to help with the flow process. I’m grateful for the peace of
knowing this, too, shall pass.
Day 14 (Challenges): Some of the best rewards in life
come with a heaping helping of challenge. Like this guy here. Learning how to
ride and care for a horse as an adult has been physically, mentally, and
financially challenging, but worth every minute. I’m grateful for what I’ve
learned from him and from all the horse people I’ve met along the way.
Day 17 (Memories): These photos were taken in New Orleans
back in 2010, on a trip with Laure Ferlita, and they remind me of “les bon
temps” we shared exploring that fascinating city. Oh, how I would love to go
back to New Orleans. The food, the music, the people, the architecture…and did
I mention the food?
Day 30 (Growth): 2017 has been a challenging year in many
ways, and it forced me to grow, even when I’d have preferred to stay in my
comfort zone. I hate to admit it (and this is not an invitation to the universe
to send me adversity), but I’m grateful for the growth from those challenges.
And I intend to keep growing like this little flower, blooming in a crevice
between rocks.
What are you most grateful for in 2017?
