The Gratitude List January 2017

It’s that time of year again…. where I recommit to myself to hold all my wellness practices on the “front burner” of my life. Not that I let any of them go last year… it’s just nice to pause in January and remember why I do some of the things I do:

*yoga

15 years with the same yoga teacher (one of my guru’s, really) and my yoga spot is behind the lady in her 70’s who’s been doing yoga with our teacher for 35 years. Yes, you read that right, 35 YEARS.  #IAspireToKickThatMuchYogaButtWhenI’mInMy70’s #SheCanOutPlankMe

*meditation

(anyone else doing the Meditation 365 challenge?)

*gratitude practice

To this end, I thought it would be nice to share with you some of the things for which I am grateful…

As a Buddhist, I don’t value the importance of the things as objects, I value the feelings I get from experiencing them. Physical items are not infinite. Thanks, lesson of #impermanance.

And, really some of the things I hold most closely to my heart in gratitude are not tangible.

*My son’s smell as he wakes from sleep

*The call of the chickadee in the tree outside my window

*The glorious sunset

*The feeling of deep peace I get when it’s Sunday night and all the laundry is done, the kitchen is clean, the house is organized and I’m sitting down with a glass of wine for a new episode of Masterpiece Theater

Yet, here I am, sharing little tid-bits and glimpses into my world of small joys with you that are tangible. So, enjoy these highlights as I do – little things, tiny moments, small pleasures that make my world so joy filled and bright.

I hope you find inspiration in them as well. Who knows, this might become a regular blog series. The list contains links for you to click through and experience what is inspiring to you. Some of the links are affiliate links. 

THE GRATITUDE LIST

1 // paperwhites

I absolutely LOVE the smell of paperwhites. And, right after the holidays in December I find them to be a light, crisp, refreshing change. If you were to ask my husband on the other hand, he’ll tell you they stink and he can’t wait till they are done with their blooms. Ahhh, scent. To each their own.

2 // PureSpa Natural Aromatherapy Oil Diffuser – Ultrasonic Mister with 200ml Water Tank, Wood-Grain Accents and Soft Color-Changing Lights

This is one of the better essential oil diffusers I have used over the years. I’ve tried many and they either break or quit unexpectedly, but so far, not this one. I actually have two in the home. One on the nightstand and one in the front room (competing with the paperwhites currently.) It’s solid. Quiet. Reliable. Done.

3 // PRI’s The World Radio Show

I LOVE this show. I value human difference and enjoy learning about other cultures. I’m also an NPR junkie (I stopped watching TV news after 911). This show merges both loves. And it features cool music. And it’s produced in Boston. And I secretly think Marco Werman’s voice is sexy.

4 // Bark Thins Snacking Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Seed with Sea Salt, 17 Ounce

I’m a big fan of dark chocolate for my health. And my after dinner Mommy-chocolate stash because I have a sweet tooth that I consciously indulge in #metta. I can have a handful of bark (I don’t calorie count) and they have pumpkin seeds mixed in. I eat this stuff all year round. It’s that good.

5 // Little Free Library

I was introduced to the little free library system last summer on a family walk through the neighborhood. There was one set up in front of a neighbor’s house. We’ve taken several books from it and have shared some of our own. Turns out, they are ALL OVER the place. Check out the database on their website, there might be one in your neck of the woods. Just as they sound – little free book exchanges. Similarly, I just heard a story on the news (NPR radio, of course) of Little Free Food Pantries popping up across the country too. People helping people. How cool is that? #METTA

What are you grateful for right now?