29/52 Weeks of Gratitude

52 Weeks of More gratitude. More hope. More love.

"Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude." A.A Milne, Winnie the Pooh

It was a tough week and to be honest I'm just so happy that we got through it and that we could still find moments to laugh about. Even in tough times there is still so much to feel lucky for. I'm beginning to notice the gradual changes in myself seven months into a regular gratitude practice. It's simple really. Instead of focusing on what I don't have I'm focusing more and more on what I do have. The more I focus on what I do have the bigger it grows. 

I made a commitment to a daily practice of gratitude because it seemed a simple way (I could do it anywhere anytime without any fuss) to enhance my life.  I wanted to feel more like I was really living and appreciating my life every day. There's been much written on the benefits of gratitude and studies show people that are consistently grateful are happier. And it's true, I do feel happier and more content. And by happier I don't mean an unrealistic permanent state of bliss!  I'm finding that even in challenging times it's important to be grateful, and by being grateful for the challenges it's easier to acknowledge emotions, feel acceptance and find healthier ways to move through challenges.  And so it was a week of challenges that I also feel grateful for. 

A week of gratitude for:

 - being close to my family and for being able to rely on each other.

- my dad having his shortest stint in hospital for a very long time. in one day and out the next. hoorah! 

- ABC radio in the car. I've listened to some great interviews whilst on the highway for work these past few months.

- unpacking more boxes and slowly starting to make my new place a home. 

- the warming winter flavours of onion, garlic and ginger. 

-  my joggers. I love the bouncy feel, the extra spring in my step. 

- evening walks along the beach in above mentioned joggers.

- taking my joggers off and feeling the sand beneath my feet.  

- this post from House of Humble on gratitude. A new blog find I'm loving.

- Friday fish and chip night. A treat at the end of a long week. 

- after almost a year untouched, the family Scrabble board came out and we dusted off our tactics and skill of trying for more than a 4-letter word. 

52 Weeks of Grateful linking up with Octavia and Vicky. Kylie is grateful for dreaming big this week.