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 313 – I am grateful for those who gave their lives in the hope of trying to make the world a safer place for all and those who continue to work for peace and healing in the world.
Day 314 – I am grateful that tomorrow is another day.
Day 315 – I am grateful for breakfast al fresco.
Day 316 – I am grateful for a nice socially-distanced walk and chat with a friend this morning which has helped boost my mood. The last few days have been a struggle with grief-guilt repeatedly smacking me in the face. This morning has helped me regain a little perspective – I’m not through the storm yet but I know that it will pass and that I don’t have to ride it alone.
Day 317 – I am grateful for winter boots.
Day 318 – I am grateful for the help that Children in Need gives to so many projects that help support children, such as Halo Children’s Foundation which provides support to bereaved children like Sophie. Sophie was very excited to see a very brief glimpse of herself at Halo in the video for this year’s Children in Need single.
Day 319 – I am grateful for umbrellas, rain covers, wellies and waterproofs.
Aww! Lovely photos!
Dippy eggs! Yum! Yum! I rarely have them because I always seem to either under or over cook them.
Your new boots look fab!
How exciting for Sophie to see herself on the TV. x
I love dippy eggs. Took me a while to work out the timings with getting them just right when we got our new cooker though.
Love your winter boots, they look stylish and comfy. How wonderful for Sophie to see herself on TV! The cushions and blanket on Thomas’s bed are so colourful and pretty. He looks so pleased with the leaves. Cutie pie.
Thank you – the quilt and blanket on Thomas’s bed were handmade by two of his godmothers 🙂
Ooh those eggs look good. I do love a winter boot. I’ve got a similar colour pair this year
I love new winter boots – these ones are nice and warm.
Sounds like Monday wasn’t a good day, try not to be so hard on yourself, although easier said than done. Glad Sophie managed to spot herself on TV
Thank you, yes it was quite a tough day and a tough week overall. Thankfully this week has been better.
It would be exciting to see her self on tv. Charities do a lot of good in this world.
Sorry you are down and struggling this week.
Waterproofs make just about any weather bearable
Thanks Elaine. Sophie was so excited to spot herself.
Glad you managed to go for a walk which helped a bit.
The boots look lovey!
Thank you, they’re nice warm ones 🙂
Awww love the remembrance day photo. Glad catching up with a friend and a walk helped you feel a bit better (sending you a hug!). How exciting for Sophie being on the video!
Thank you Karen, virtual hug very much appreciated!
So glad you walk with your friend helped you. Sophie looks very smart I am sad we missed doing a parade or anything this year. Love the look of the Winter boots very toasty
I missed having a Remembrance Sunday parade. It was nice that Sophie was able to lay the poppy wreaths for the Brigades though during the week.
I have dug my winter boots out now too, but they are a bit tight. Will have to look out for Sophie in the CIN video
My ones from last year had a big split in the soles so I definitely needed a new pair!
I need some boots as it is so cold in the classroom and out on playground duty! I missed our remembrance parade this year but none of mine are in Cubs or Beavers any more so we would have gone to honour our heroes 🙁 #project366
It was strange not having remembrance parades. We went to the peace memorial during the week to lay our wreath on behalf of the Brigades.
I am grateful to people making this world a safer place as well. Also grateful for tomorrow being another day. Cute breakfast. Its great that you felt better after a walk with a friend. Sometimes that helps you pass through a terrifying storm. The Foundation sounds great and great that Sophie was involved in this
Getting out for a walk with a friend always helps make things seem better.
I’m sure you’re feeling better now , as I’m very late catching up, but sending hugs anyway – there are always tough moments to get through. ( xxx ) Great for Sophie to see herself on the telly ! 🙂
Thank you, hope the festive season is being gentle with you.