At the start of 2016, inspired by a friend, I started a daily gratitude challenge – posting one thing that I was thankful for each day on Instagram. I enjoyed it so much that when I reached the end of that year, I carried on and have kept going ever since. Finding one little thing to be thankful for each day has now become part of my daily routine and I’ve loved seeing friends joining in along the way too.
Finding little things to be grateful for isn’t always easy, especially when living through scary and uncertain times. I have found though that trying to find something, however small and trivial, to be grateful for has helped me through some of the hardest days of my life.
My eldest daughter Jessica, who died in April 2018, was an inspiration to me throughout her short life. She had so much strength and such a wonderful zest for life. Her godmother described her once as a “joy carrier” and it was the perfect description for her. She was a little ray of sunshine, full of smiles and gave joy to all who knew her. I am, and will always be, grateful to be her mummy. She taught me to enjoy the little moments and to make the most of everyday because tomorrow is never promised. And even though having to live life without Jessica is by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do, I will continue to look for those little things to be thankful for, and keep going with this challenge in honour of my beautiful brave girl.
Here are my grateful moments from the past week:
Day 243 – I am grateful for pretty sunsets.
Day 244 – I am grateful that the playground at the open air museum was nice and quiet.
Day 245 – I am grateful for a lovely last day out to finish off the summer holidays. I’ve loved having so much time with these two together. Will really miss Sophie when she’s back at school tomorrow.
Day 246 – I am grateful that Sophie enjoyed her first day in year 2.
Day 247 – I am grateful that Thomas had fun at the park this morning.
Day 248 – I am grateful for these beautiful sunflowers from a family member who remembered that it is Jessica’s birthday on Sunday and wanted us to know that Jessica is remembered with love. It means so much to know that others remember special dates too and I’ll be sharing these with Jessica when we go up to GreenAcres with her birthday cake.
Day 249 – I am grateful for finding lots of conkers in between Sophie’s dance classes this morning.
Glad back to school went well. Lovely sunset photo. I’ve not noticed our conkers ready yet. We seem to be behind with autumn fruits here
Thanks Emma.
Lovely photos. I am glad Sophie enjoyed school.
Happy birthday to Jessica. Thinking of you today. x
Thank you Kim x
Beautiful sunset! Sophie looks very cute in her uniform, I’m glad the first day at school went smoothly. Thomas looks so happy on the swings in the park.
To Jessica who is in Heaven, I’m wishing a happy birthday! Big hugs to you all!
Thank you Galina.
Lovely sunset. I hope they enjoyed their holidays. Their pictures are so adorable. Thomas looks like he had a lot of fun. Pretty sunflower, very sweet of them to send it
Thank you, Thomas loved having so much time with Sophie. It’s been strange for him just having me around in the day now.
Oh wow, that sunset is absolutely gorgeous. Beautiful sunflowers for Jessica – I’m sure she’s looking down and smiling. Sophie looks so grown up in school uniform !
Thank you. Sophie does look very grown up all of a sudden.
Oh she looks so grown up in her uniform, gorgeous sunset and how lovely to send sunflowers. The boys are desperate to go conker hunting which I have promised this weekend. Although they never do much with them!
We haven’t done much with ours so far, but I have a few ideas!
I’m glad back to school went well. It feels strange not to have a child at home after so long I think.
It does feel strange doesn’t it? I’m slowly getting used to it again.
That sunset is stunning! Glad Sophie is enjoying year 2.
The sunflowers are lovely.
Thank you, she’s so happy to be back with her friends.
Those flowers are gorgeous and such a lovely gift from your friend. The sun set is amazing and Thomas looks so happy on the play equipment
Thank you. He had fun being able to enjoy the playground 🙂
I really love the sunset picture. So pleased you have friends looking out for you. What gorgeous sunflowers. Back to school is a little odd to get used too isn’t it.
Thank you. It is strange having Sophie back at school and the new system is taking some getting used to.
Glad Sophie has started back with school and dance. Gorgeous sunset pic #project366
Thank you Laura