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 something to be grateful for each day isn’t about trying to give the impression that life is perfect and wonderful. It isn’t. Those little moments of gratitude can be hard to find at times; particularly after my eldest daughter Jessica died in April 2018. Some days, I struggle to find my grateful moment; some days I just feel broken and bruised. But even when it has been hard to do, I have still managed to find something. Even if it is something small, and silly, and trivial.
Jessica 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 54 – I am grateful for time at the park after church.
Day 55 – I am grateful that these two little ones love snuggles so much.
Day 56 – I am grateful to have my hubby home from Australia.
Day 57 – I am grateful that the country parks are starting to open later in the evening so we have more time for after-school fun.
Day 58 – I am grateful that I managed to make it back in time for school pick-up after losing track of time while chatting to friends at church this afternoon.
Day 59 – I am grateful for nap-time snuggles while watching a bit of season three of The Crown and a successful transition from arms to buggy ready for the school run.
Day 60 – I am grateful for clear skies so we were able to see the Moon and Venus at the astronomy society public observing evening.
What lovely photos. I bet you are all glad to have your hubby home. x
Thank you Kim, it’s so nice to have him back 🙂
Awww lots of smiles in this week’s photos. What more could you ask for ? 🙂
Indeed! It’s been a fun week 🙂
some lovely photos of everyone this week. Bet it’s nice to have your husband back home.
Thanks Emma, it’s lovely to have him back 🙂
Aww such lovely photos this week and so many smiles. They are beautiful. Must be good to have your husband back too xx
Thank you Susan. It’s so nice to have him home again 🙂
It is nice that the evenings are a bit lighter now and it must be easier with your husband back at home.
I do like the evenings starting to get lighter now and yes it is easier now that my husband is back home again 🙂
It must be a relief to have your husband home. Mine only ever goes away for one night and that’s bad enough! The lighter evenings are so nice. Sophie looks very happy at the park.
Him being away is such a part of my normal that I settle into my own routines when he’s away quite naturally now. It is easier when he is here though!
glad it was clear for you to see the moon and Venus.
Ooops at getting chatting and forgetting the time.
Must be nice to have hubby home, that is a long way away.
Lol, it’s not the first time I’ve lost track of time but both times I’ve realised just in time to make it back!
I bet you are glad to have your hubby back home again. I love seeing the photos of your beautiful family!
As part of my Lenten practice, I am writing down at least one thing every day I am grateful for too. Your gratitude list is inspiring!
Thank you Laurie, it is lovely to have him home again 🙂
Fab to be able to see the Moon and Venus, you were lucky with the weather lately. I miss those nap time snuggles#366
I’m making the most of them while I still can!
Hooray for naptime and some time to watch a programme properly. You must be glad to have your hubby home
It is lovely to have him back again 🙂
Must be so good to have the hubby back!
Agree that it is so nice that the evenings are getting lighter and can stay out for longer!
It is lovely to have him home again and we are certainly enjoying the lighter evenings 🙂
Lovely pictures as always. Aww hubbies back. Parks should be open after school. How’s The Crown? OoOO you saw the Moon & Venus. Cool!!!
I’m enjoying The Crown although I’m only a couple of episodes in to season 3 so far 🙂
Glad hubby is home safe. I still haven’t got started with the Crown series 3 🙁 #project366
I’m enjoying it so far.