“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
-Melody Beattie
I know, it’s been awhile. Life happens and well, let’s just say it is quite a life worth living. I try not to let living with multiple chronic illnesses get me down, but sometimes, the reality can be a little different. So in an effort to remind myself, and hopefully my readers can join me on this journey, that there is so much to be grateful for. I’d like to kick off 30 Days of Gratitude.
Why would I need 30 Days of Gratitude in my life?
It’s easy to sit here and think, yes, I’m grateful for my family. Of course, I’m grateful for a roof over my head and food in my stomach. But beyond that, it is important to look at the “more” that life has to offer. Otherwise, it can be too easy to focus on those extra “things” that we want. You know what I’m talking about…
- The “perfect” kitchen
- The designer clothes
- The ideal Christmas gifts
Instead, we need to focus on being grateful for all the wonderful blessings we already have in our lives. More isn’t always better, sometimes it is just more.
With that in mind, I propose The 30 Days of Gratitude
I originally found the 30 Days of Gratitude from fellow chronic illness blogger, Lene Andersen at The Seated View. As noted on the image, the originator can be found at TextMyJournal.com . Without further ado, let’s just dive right into Day 1.
What smell are you grateful for today?
Today, more than any other day, I’d have to say that I’m grateful for the amazing scent of a cake baking in my oven. I woke up today with so much pain in my hands that I could barely make a fist without tears. While I had pain in my hands, I had a heart full of love. It’s my youngest daughter’s 5th birthday.
There is something magical about a 5th birthday. A 5-year-old doesn’t notice the cost of a gift. They don’t realize that a world exists beyond their own or that there are problems that can’t be solved over a big bowl of ice cream.
So this morning I’m bound and determined to bake her the best Tinkerbell cake I can. Sure, I know what it won’t be Sugar Rush worthy, but it will be baked and decorated with love and I suppose that is what counts most of all.
Today, I’m grateful for the wonderful scent of a homemade cake, baking with love in the oven. Made sweeter by the smiles and hugs of my favorite 5 year old.
As we kick of the first day of gratitude, won’t you join me? What smell are you grateful for?
~Leanne
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