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 306 – I am grateful for all the fun we’ve had over half-term. Back to school tomorrow!
Day 307 – I am grateful for a quick trip to the park before school pick-up time.
Day 308 – I am grateful for an empty bandstand and a little boy who had a wonderful time dancing and running around it.
Day 309 – I am grateful for a quiet hour sitting with Jessica letting the beauty of her surroundings soothe my soul.
Day 310 – I am grateful for a lovely surprise delivery of cake.
Day 311 – I am grateful for warm winter coats, hats and gloves.
Day 312 – I am grateful that we’re not quite so restricted with where we can enjoy the outdoors at the moment as we were with the lockdown earlier this year.
Oh I love a surprise cake delivery. Lockdown 2.0 doesn’t seem as harsh as the first time around. Thomas looks like he was having fun running around the bandstand
Lockdown 2.0 is definitely less harsh with restrictions. I’m glad we’re still able to get out and about and visit some of our favourite outdoor spots.
Ah, you can’t beat cake! Especially cake that someone else has made. I’m like Thomas – love a bandstand for dancing and performing in.
Cake that someone else has made is always good! 🙂
It looks so peaceful sitting with Jessica and what a lovely treat with the delivery of cake x
Jessica’s forever bed is such a beautiful peaceful spot.
That is my kind of surprise delivery! Looks wonderful. Ah you’ve reminded me that it’s so long ago since we last visited the bandstand in the town park here #366
It was a very nice surprise delivery – the cakes didn’t last long! 🙂
How nice to get some cake delivered.
Love the picture of him in his buggy asleep with the rainbow round him.
Hats scarves and coats are very much needed these days
The cake was very much appreciated! 🙂
OOOh surprise cake delivery! Now thats the kind of surprise I would love!
Certainly looks like the empty bandstand was enjoyed!
It was such a lovely surprise delivery – the cakes didn’t last long! 🙂
Yay for cake delivery they look good. Love Sophie’s blue coat I’ve not the gloves out yet but it won’t be long. It does really make a difference doesn’t it being able to get out and about during lockdown
It makes such a difference. I’ve found lockdown harder this time around – getting out makes it bearable.
It does look like you all had a lot of fun. Kids looking adorable as always. OoOo what a lovely surprise.
Thank you. It was such a nice surprise 🙂
Looks like you have enjoyed some good weather and the great outdoors! This lockdown doesn’t really seem to have changed much to how it was in September, definitely more relaxed than last time #project366
It certainly does seem to be more relaxed. I’m glad that there’s been more freedom with getting outdoors.
Ooooh that cake looks lovely and even better when its a surprise! Glad to see you put the kettle straight on and tucked in. Jessica’s coat is a lovely colour and fab with the matching coloured trim on the hat!
Thank you – the cake didn’t last long!
Lots of lovely outdoors pictures and smiles! Fab you are getting out there and making the best of the weather! Hoping to get out on a walk this weekend, weather permitting! A special cake delivery?! That all looks super yummy and how lovely, those are the best deliveries! 🙂 Sim x
Cake deliveries are definitely the best! 🙂
Finally catching up with long overdue messages ! The kids look like they’ve been having so much fun. Oooh a surprise cake delivery ! Is there anything better ?!
Surprise cake deliveries are the best 🙂