We've all heard that gratitude can do us good — expressing a thankful appreciation of what we receive has been shown to boost happiness, improve health, strengthen relationships, and help us deal better with adversity. In an effort to develop my own gratitude "muscle", I've started keeping a gratitude list. But instead of writing a list on paper, I'm tweeting gratitude. Since I nearly always have my phone within reach (for better or for worse...) this has actually felt easier than past attempts. I've simply been recording the little moments of beauty and meaning, as they occur to me.
Each month I'll be sharing my list on the blog, and I invite you to do the same if you feel inspired to join in. Now, on with the list...
In July I am grateful for...
Trader Joe's coconut cold brew on ice in my favorite blue mason jar.
Having a child old enough that I can bring a book to the park — and actually sit back and read.
Knowing there are wise women like @corrigankelly out there in the world sharing their gifts.
Spending a summer Monday morning learning magic tricks with my son.
Afternoon sun, making everything it touches gleam like liquid gold.
Running for 20 minutes — without walking once — for the first time ever.
Picking flowers from our front yard to press: California poppy, rose, lavender, and sage.
Enriching my life (and my reading list) with the bookish community that is the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club.
Ice-cold beer with a wedge of lime, a fresh stack of books from the library, and the whole weekend stretching out ahead.
Beautiful silver-haired lady riding her bike - fast! - by the shoreline, pure bliss.
Our Sunday night agenda: Quick pickles, grass-fed beef burgers on the grill, watermelon for dessert. Yes.
All the July tomatoes.
There are over 25 (what!?) Little Free Libraries now in my hometown. One of these days I’ll take a walking tour of all of them.
Standing in my kitchen, snap the stem away, inhale: the scent of tomato vines brings me right back to my grandfathers garden.
Peeking into all of the beautiful front yard gardens in my neighborhood. Summer flowers abound.
Finding a fairy door, carefully constructed and complete with spiral staircase and deck, attached to the side of an oak tree.
The moment my husband comes home, hops off his bike, and unloads a secret treasure trove from his bag: piles of juicy, perfectly ripe stone fruit from the farmer's market.
