My gratitude list

“The more light you allow within you, the brighter the world you live in will be” – Shakti Gawain

I  have been thinking lately about gratitude. 

As my life has gotten busier over the past several years, it’s become harder to stay present and aware of the goodness in my life. I’m not talking here about family or friends – the blessings that most of us think about first.

What I need help remembering on a daily basis is much smaller and less easy to define. The day-to-day moments or reminders that fuel us along and provide much needed little bursts of inspiration or joy. I often write gratitude lists in my journal to reflect back on when I’m feeling stressed out. Do you ever do this? It’s a fabulous reminder to slow down and smile. To let the light in.

Today, I am grateful for:

Peaceful, soothing music. I listen to Koyasan (by the german musician Deuter) pretty much every day when I’m working. You can listen for free on Grooveshark.com. The album is just endlessly beautiful to me, and calms me without fail.

The cutest distractions in the world. Cue Iris and Mica, a mama and son pair who we adopted from the shelter a few years ago. We didn’t know they were related when we chose them (they had been separated into different cages). Talk about meant to be!

Time to unwind. As you’re reading this, I am soon returning from a week-long road trip along the East Coast of the US. We haven’t been on vacation in a LONG time, and I’m thankful for this space to simply be.

New connections. Other artists, creatives, and those of you simply searching for your own meaning. People who inspire me with their searches for healing and peace and love and who make me ask new questions.

Time to myself. I have always been a morning person and love the early morning before anyone else is up with a mug of tea, my journal, and open windows ready to go!

Small tokens from around the house. Here are some of my favorite little tokens – a small bear from my sister called a fetish, which is a native american carving of an animal believed to have special power. A gold cat owned by my aunt who has since passed away. A variety of hearts, which I place around the house and carry with me in my purse  as little reminders to always give and accept love.

I LOVE gratitude lists, and most of all I love when we have little reminders to be thankful and loved woven into our days and into our homes.

What are you grateful for? In the comments below, let us know something on your gratitude list today.

xo,