On Gratitude - Group Collage
Originally uploaded by Fe 108Aums

Sometimes we need a little reminder that it takes all kind of marvellous to create the joy we want & need in our lives. Our job may be uninspiring and our partner may have given us the ta-ra, our flat mates may have helped themselves to the last of our brie and our laundry may be piling up, but really, it could be worse, we are ok. We need to bid drama farewell & quit moaning long enough to realise just how wonderful have it. Between the small things like seeing a cute baby laughing and the big things like an overseas trip, if we focus on the bigger picture while remaining thankful & inspired by everyday, we've got it sussed.

Recognizing that our lives need not be perfect to be fabulous is a huge step in gaining greater appreciation for what we already have, after all, how would we know to appreciate the good if we never endured just a little of the not-so-good, we need to pull ourselves out of the habit of appreciation things only when they are expensive or somehow grand. Call it recession inspired appreciation, take a long hard look at the stuff you can loved, adore & be thankful for that you didn't acquire by opening your wallet. Shoes are fun, but so to is sunshine & blue skies during your lunch hour, find the balance and enjoy both ends of the spectrum, really work towards acknowledging that things do not equal happiness & that money to splash out on extravagances too will not bring you the satisfaction we all look to achieve. Cliche? Most certainly, but it is one cliche that rings very true, just think about all the wonderful people in your life, you wouldn't trade them for a Mui Mui purse or an expensive trip away, would you? Cost & worth goes hand in hand with maintaining a focus on gratitude & appreciation.

Think of all those less than awesome life experiences as creating an environment of perspective, conjuring up strength and building character, to ensure you are gracious in the face of all the positive things the universe has lined up for you in the coming days, months and years. Smile a little more, frown a little less and let yourself have an utterly delightful day, no excuses, & if you do need a bit of a kick start, remember that there is nothing quite like:

• A blank page in a note book.
  
  
• The smell of freshly cut grass.
  
  
• A double espresso to follow your meal.
  
  
• Watching the sunset & managing to capture it with a photograph that looks like it could’ve been taking by a pro!
  
  
• Reading a positive email or comment.
  
  
• The collective excitement of celebrating (anything) with friends.
  
  
• Reaching that pivotal post-relationship moment when you realise just how fine you are without him/her & smiling because you like you for you & knowing that is what matters.
  
  
• Seeing a chubby baby laugh hysterically.
  
  
• Having no plans going into the weekend, being entirely on your time & having that weekend turn out to be the best in recent times (unexpected fabulousness is always excellent).
  
  
• Getting to the checkouts and realising your grocery bill is a whole lot less than you expected.
  
  
• Hitting the markets & sampling the fresh bread & chutneys.
  
  
• Feeling the whoooosh in your tummy as the plane takes off, putting you on your way to some other fabulous destination.
  
  
• 5pm Friday afternoon & going to meet your favourite people to kick off the weekend with an evening of awesome.
  
  
• Sleeping on freshly laundered bedding & fluffed pillows.
  
  
• Having the barista at your local remember your order & wish you a lovely day, and actually seem to mean it.
  
  
• Your boss giving credit where it is due & issuing thanks rather than ultimatums.
  
  
• The burn after a good work out.
  
  
• A smile from a good looking stranger.
  

What are you loving & appreciating right now?