"It is in the smallest details that the flavor of life is savored."
So wrote Sarah Ban Breathnach in her book Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy. And how, if we pay attention to the beauty around us, we will enrich our lives and become more content.
One way we can begin this habit of paying attention is to keep a daily gratitude journal, and at the end of each day, take a few minutes to write down five things for which you are grateful.
The first time I started a gratitude journal was many year ago now, but I still I remember waking up those mornings during that season. I woke with a sense of eager anticipation, wondering what new joys might be uncovered and what new things I might be able to jot down later that evening. That time at the end of each day soon became a cherished quiet time for me. The little exercise set in motion a pattern of looking for joyful moments and beauty in every corner of my life.
"Gratitude is the heart's memory."
~ French proverb
I grew amazed at how many blessings liberally sprinkled my days, things I'd never really noticed before. I began to focus on the abundance all around me rather than the lack. That's not to say my life was a proverbial bed of roses; I had my challenges, some of them severe, but I was learning to look for, and find, the smallest of beauties in the midst of the larger trials. Like tiny bunches of violets suddenly springing up in most unfriendly places, there they were adding colour and beauty, not to mention the hope to carry on.
Find A Pretty Journal
If you are finding that your own life could be sweeter, may I recommend that you find yourself the prettiest, most inviting notebook... and begin the delightful habit of jotting down those simple pleasures for which you are grateful. You will find yourself living your life more beautifully.
Living a life of gratitude has made me happier. Even though I don't jot something down every single day now, I've never forgotten the lesson.
Gratefully yours,
Brenda
Brenda
xox
it gets to be a habit-blogging...something to think about and look for stuff to write about or take a photo of. congrats.
ReplyDeleteHi Lin, It certainly gets to be a habit...a beautiful one! And I agree with your thought that blogging makes us more aware and in tune as we scout for new material to write.
ReplyDeleteI remember the time years ago when I created a gratitude journal*... I was always looking for new things to be grateful for. I loved the feeling of being so much more aware of life. Blogging does that for me too!
*wrote about it: http://awordfromhome.blogspot.com/2008/08/joy-in-every-corner.html
THE CAT VIDEO WAS HILARIOUS. THE WAY THE CAT CAME DOWN THE STAIRS, IS THAT YOU CAT BRENDA? tHANKS FOR SHARING
ReplyDeleteHey Rosalie, Glad you enjoyed the cat video.... I really laughed to see it. And no, it's not Miss Kitty.
ReplyDeleteOh, my gosh! That video is too funny! Have you seen the Ninja Kitty video?
ReplyDeleteLezlie
PS Thanks for visiting Books 'N Border Collies!
Lezlie, I'll have to check it out. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDelete