I am pretty certain that my favorite month out of all twelve is November.
The weather begins to turn colder, we get to snuggle up inside under fleece blankets, with warm mugs of coffee, and UGG boots. There is time to reflect. To focus on the things we are most grateful for in this life.
Two years ago, in November, I had recently lost our first daughter to stillbirth. Even as I felt the world crashing down around me I was somehow able to find a way to get out of bed every day and continue living. For that I was thankful. Something as simple as getting out of bed that day and taking a shower was an accomplishment. From there my desire to share gratitude snowballed. I was thankful for my cup of coffee each morning, for a husband who held me each night as I cried myself to sleep, for my camera that helped me see the world through fresh eyes, for baked goods, for beautiful weather, and for data plans on cell phones. I took a picture of each thing that brought me happiness. To remind myself that even when times are dark, there are still small things that bring me great joy.
What are you thankful for this November?
Today I have a gratitude exercise for you. Ready?
- Get out a pen and paper.
- Number it from 1 – 10.
- Write your “Top 10” gratitude list. What things are you thankful for this November?
- Grab a camera, any camera will do.
- Take the next few days and photograph the items on your list
- Create a gratitude collage. I used the collage tools at Picnik for mine
Try to remind yourself that for this exercise it really isn’t about taking a beautiful photo. It’s about reflecting on the things in your life RIGHT NOW that bring you the tiniest bit of JOY. The things that make your heart sing and make you feel ALIVE.
Want a peek at my top 10?
- Pure, innocent, & utter joy
- Seeing the world through the eyes of a child
- Starbucks mornings
- Beautiful sunrise and sunset reminders that my angel Bella Rose is always watching over me
- The resiliency of the human spirit
- The power of technology
- Little girls and their daddies
- The calming power of purring kitties
- My Iphone and Instagram (hands down best photo app) for snapshots that are always look beautiful
- The magic of photography for forcing me to stop, slow down, and truly appreciate this life I’ve been given to make the most of