I’ve had a certain spring in my step lately…a smile on my face, a sparkle in my eye. I have been happy, really happy. There have been no monumental changes around here…life is basically the same as it has always been. The change has been in my attitude, the way I look at things, the way I consider myself.
I have also had the opportunity to connect with some amazing women, many of whom are facing real challenges in their lives. It has made me think about my own values, about what I stand for. It has made me realise how lucky I am and how much I have to be thankful for.
This edition of Peppermint Magazine has a wonderful story about gratitude…well worth a read…
Of course, we are all grateful for our families, our well being, having food on the table…but it goes beyond that. It’s great if you can take the time to appreciate the small things…eating snow peas straight from the garden (and even more exciting – your toddler enjoying them!), snuggling on the couch with our beautiful daughters who actually want to snuggle and be with us, having the opportunity to teach and guide and grow with them. Eating good, wholesome food and feeling well within our bodies, accepting we might not be perfect but we make a mean omlette and can get a five year old to drink a green smoothie….the list goes on and on.
Being mindful of all I am grateful for has seen a huge improvement in how I live my life. I smile more, I move more slowly, I have time to listen and care less about being perfect. I treat my body better and feel better for it. I am patient and kind to my Leonardo (who you may remember from a few posts back as the devil incarnated as a toddler) and we are now engrossed in a love affair so rich he lights up when he sees me and smothers me in sloppy, full-on-the-mouth kisses. I am hoping the time we spend together now will lead to some kind of easier path in the future…a friendship of kinds.
My ‘spirited’ boy…
So, before you start worrying about me skipping off to hug trees or join a cult or something, I just want to say…it’s not that unusual, this being happy business. It’s how we all can be. We all have something in our life, some shining light, big or small to be thankful for. Take some time to reflect on what that is exactly for you…it will make you smile and brighten your day…I promise.
What are you thankful for? Do you do anything special to record your gratitude like a journal, photo gallery? Feel free to leave a comment and share the love…
Keep smiling,
mamacino xx
Kristin, you are my inspiration!! I am sitting reading your blog in a coffee shop and it makes me smile – thank you. Doing things that makes a difference to others makes me happy. Xx
I know that Bev, from personal experience … are you supposed to be working???
What a heart-filled inspiring post Kristin. I’m loving your life
Me too…and I’m grateful for all of the wise and wonderful women in it, thank you x
so great to see that you are getting into that happy place!! gratitude rocks, big time. Actually, I am trying to read MAGIC by Rhonda Byrne. It’s gratitude on speed. AMAZING
It’s largely thanks to you! Magic…that sounds interesting…
Hey Kristin! LOVE this, you are a clever bunny finding such a lovely and grateful groove! What a momentous journey. Loving. every. minute
Why, thank you xxx
Great post Kristin. I am feeling the same of late! I wrote a “simple pleasures” post just the other day about how I didn`t appreciate some small things before but definitely do now and am much more aware. On the days I journal I usually write a sentence or two on gratitude. Some big things, some small. The other day I wrote I was grateful for early bedtimes and another day for fresh herbs growing in the garden!
I am heading off to read your post right now xx