I’ve been keeping a Gratitude Journal for the past five years. It’s become like a best friend that I check in with every night. And when things are tough, it helps me to focus on everything in my life that I have to be grateful for, no matter how small or large.
This month Susie Lindau has started an awesome Blessed Project that I couldn’t resist taking part in. It’s a great chance to take stock of what really matters at a time when life seems particularly hectic. So here goes:
I am blessed for the amazing beauty of life in this sometimes crazy world we live in. For every morning and every sunrise that gives us new opportunities.
I hope I never take it for granted.
I am blessed to have a loving home surrounded by people and pets in a place I love.
I am blessed to live with a wonderful man who makes me laugh, sometimes drives me nuts but keeps me grounded and shares my sense of adventure.
Together with him I’m blessed to have raised two children who keep me on my toes and who are growing up to be kind, responsible, well adjusted young people.
I am blessed to live in a country full of diversity, natural beauty and opportunities.
For my health, good food, water and the basics that make life wonderful.
I am blessed to have had a happy upbringing by two amazing role models who taught me so much. And fortunate to have been able to travel to their homeland in Italy to discover and explore my roots.
I am blessed to have good friends who share common interests.
I am blessed to have realised my dream of being able to combine my love of travel, writing and photography and become a published writer. Now for some new dreams …
I’m blessed to be able to continue to have amazing adventures.
And last, but by no means least, I am blessed to have you, my awesome blogging family.
I’m sure this list will continue to grow.
What are you grateful for? Head on over to Susie’s place, link up your blog and join in the Blessed Project. I can’t think of a better way to focus on what’s truly important in our lives.
Stay blessed, happy and peaceful and keep enjoying the journey.
I just love this Miriam, the stunning photos, the simplicity of your blessings, the sincerity of your words – thank you for sharing this wonderful post with us xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess sometimes it’s the most simple things that feel the greatest. Thank you Hayley xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
I totally agree! xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s great to hear you sounding so positive and happy, Miriam. Your sunrise photo is gorgeous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Carol. I have my moments (many actually) but still try and remember to count my blessings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Truly beautiful, Miriam. You are incredibly lucky to recognize and be able to appreciate how wonderful your life is. Love this post 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ryan. I am blessed, even when the doldrums hit, I try and remember how fortunate I am. Hope all is well with you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
All is wonderful, thank you for asking:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
beautiful words and photos. love it
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lisa
LikeLike
Lovely, uplifting post! Gratitude journal sounds like a great idea that maybe I should give a try to. You are indeed lucky and have great things going for you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Than you Pooja. Hope you give the Gratitude Journal a try, it’s definitely worthwhile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your Blessed Project, Miriam! What a fantastic list of blessings and I learned a lot about you too. You really have an exciting life! Thanks for participating.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome Susie, a huge thanks to you for allowing me to stop and reflect on everything in my life. Such a worthwhile project. Hope you’re having a wonderful December .
LikeLike
I am, thanks! I hope you continue to have a blessed holiday season too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Susie!
LikeLike
I am blessed to read your blog. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, that’s so sweet. Thank you Ann.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely beautiful sentiments, Miriam. So many of us strain to find the problems in life, when in fact we are surrounded by beauty. Thank you for the reminder. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome Rob. Hope you’re doing well. Must pop over and visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love, family, friendship, adventure, beauty, laughter, joy… and beautiful photographs. Life is good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is indeed! Thanks for your great comment.
LikeLike
Thanks once again Miriam. I shall check out the Blessed Project. 😇
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I hope you do Btigid, it’s definitely worthwhile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful habit. I’m sure that goes a long way to warm a dreary day and brighten the good ones.
Thanks for sharing with us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely does! Thanks so much for stopping by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful post. It must have been so uplifting to create it. As always it will stay in the back of my mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lindsey, it was. Hope you might consider doing your own,
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful post Miri. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Nikki. xo
LikeLike
Gratitude is a superpower. Thanks for sharing this reminder for all of us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome Ali.
LikeLike
It is nice to see you being so positive. It is good to enjoy the simple things in life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely Anne, thank you!
LikeLike
We’re blessed to have your postings. Gratitude Journal is a great idea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a very nice thing to say, thanks Maverick.
LikeLike
Hi Miriam, your words and your photos are just so lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Arlene.
LikeLike
You are indeed blessed Miri! Blessed with all the important things in life, family, friends, love, laughter…what a wonderful idea the Blessed Project. I will have to try and find some time to do the same as I have many things I am blessed with too! As usual your photos are amazing and fun! Wishing you continued blessings. Big hugs and love xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Deb, yes I am blessed indeed. And I do hope you’ll hop over to Susie’s blog and share your own blessings. Such a worthwhile idea. Hugs and love back xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a wonderful idea…I’m hoping to stop by over the weekend!! I’m off to bed now…see you on the flip side!! Enjoy the rest of your day…Big Hugs!! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love it!! Too much positive energy in you Miriam!! Live your life, make most of it😍 Too many happy people and things around. Great captures!! So happy to be a part of this blogging family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sumith! I’m happy you’re here too. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always good to be reminded of the good things in life, and I thank you for reminding us. Even in adversity, there are blessings to be had, but sometimes we have to train ourselves to recognize them
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Denzil, you’re so right. Thanks for your great comment and for stopping by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad to have found your inspiring blog Miriam and have added it to my list of Awesome Bloggers. Look forward to reading your future posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s so great Denzil. Welcome. Your blog looks great too. I’ll be looking forward to your posts as well. Cheers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it’s a great idea to keep a Gratitude Journal. This way we never forget how blessed we are, even when things don’t look so good. I might just have consider starting one. Be blessed, Miriam.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And you too Otto. I honestly can’t imagine not starting a new year without one now, it’s become such a fundamental part of my day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such an incredible post!!! I absolutely love this, Miriam!!! What a great idea about keeping the gratitude journal!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Mackenzie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a good idea! Deliberately focusing on what is good in our lives can’t help but make us feel more thankful, cheerful and positive. I don’t know if I’ll officially link my blog to participate, but I will start taking a moment each day to acknowledge what I’m grateful for. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome Ann. Regardless of whether you link or not I’m sure you’re able to appreciate your blessings. Have a wonderful weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will definitely appreciate my blessings. And I hope you know that one of those blessings is you!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, your words hit me straight in the heart. Thank you Ann.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Miriam this is so amazing! You are blessed indeed, God is good every time. And the photos are very beautiful, I love them Miriam. Stay blessed.
~Dehan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Dehan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh gosh, I truly love this, Miriam. Thank you. Right now, I am grateful for my nurturing home and room. I am grateful for my forgiveness blog and the opportunity to practice forgiveness. I am grateful for YOU Miriam, for the way you are so full of gratitude. Thank you so much. Hugs to you and much loving, Debbie xo
LikeLike
Beautiful what an active family
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Bella.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do count my blessings each night before bed, but I love the idea of an entire project around it, especially because sometimes my “counting” sounds rote to my ears. Thanks for sharing, Miriam!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know what you mean Kim. It can feel as though we’re repeating the same stuff and start to take our blessings for granted, when in actual fact we’re just so fortunate. Thanks for your comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is great, Miriam! You’ve certainly been blessed! I love to stop and take the time to notice my blessings, and be truly grateful. Time goes so fast, in our rushed and hurried lives. It’s wonderful and necessary to slow down to realize the things in our life, big and small, that we’re thankful for. Thanks for the reminder! Jenny
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome Jenny. Yes, it is good to slow down and really appreciate all we have in our lives. Makes it all worthwhile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It certainly does! xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful concept and idea… I may take this up myself
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I hope you do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a wonderful concept…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! I keep a gratitude journal too! We are far apart but I think we are soul sisters, we have many things in common. This project seems wonderful, I’ll have a look at it. Hugs to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I’m so glad Elizabeth, it’s such a worthwhile project. And not just for now. And I can’t imagine not having a Gratitude Journal in my life. Write on soul sister, how wonderful that we share so many interests. Hugs back xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful idea, Miriam! I’ve always thought of maintaining a diary. The closest I’ve got to it was our blog. 🙂 I agree. We need to be grateful for what we have. It’s so easy to look around and forget the good times or the happy memories that we’ve had. Looking back helps me relive the highs of our life. And I’m thankful for bloggers like yourself who constantly show their support! Have a great week, my friend.
xo
Cheryl
LikeLiked by 1 person
It works both ways, doesn’t it Cheryl. I’m thankful for you too! I love my Gratitude Diary but I have to admit I’m loving my blog just as much these days. Never thought I’d pour so much of myself in here. And be blessed with an amazing amount of awesome bloggers, just like yourself. Hope you have a great week too. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
How wonderful to have kept a gratitude journal for five years. Wish I had! I always feel so busy I forget to stop at times. Love this idea and post Miriam.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Nicole. Hope all is well with you in the lead up to Christmas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome idea. This helps us to stay in touch with the things that matter 🙂
LikeLike
Miriam, what a wonderful idea! Such an inspirational post. I love that you reflect on daily blessings. Something we can easily overlook when we don’t set aside time to look at all we have to be grateful for. You’re truly amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so nice to hear from you Monica. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great list! I think our role models sometimes get overlooked. It’s so worthwhile to pause and count our blessings. I’m glad you participated in the #blessed project.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Maggie, what a really nice comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those are all amazing blessings, and you truly have built a good life on a good foundation. 🙂
You are a blessing to me, and I am thankful for you. *hugs* ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, and I am thankful for you as well dear Ness. Even though you’re across the world I feel as though we’ve known each other for ever. Hugs back xo
LikeLike
What a lovely life. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jess. I do consider myself blessed, even on those less than good days. Big hugs to you
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel the same way. Soul sisters!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Miriam, I love your #blessed project! The gratitude you feel for the people in your life, the opportunities you have had, and continue to have, and the world in which you live, comes through in every word. The sun has yet to rise in Minnesota this morning, but I already feel it shining through the warmth of your tribute to so much goodness in your life. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful comment Angela. Thank you so much and for stopping by my blog. Susie’s blessed project was such an inspired idea. Happy Christmas to you.
LikeLike
I love this idea!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. It’s great isn’t it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely!
LikeLiked by 1 person