November 2022 Gratitude Project

Have you ever read about the benefits of a gratitude practice that uses a gratitude journal? Have you ever felt the effects of a random act of kindness? Has anyone ever told you the secret to happiness is all about reflection and gratitude?

Hailey Bartholomew put this idea to the test when she knew she had it good, but still wasn’t feeling the joy in life. A nun recommended she write a reflection a day about what she was grateful for. Little did she know how quickly she would start to notice the little things. After watching her fabulous TedTalk and checking out her inspiring story on her website called 365 Grateful, I’ve decided try it out my own challenge. Want to join me?

My November 2022 Grateful Project:

One picture a day during…
One month showcasing…
One thing I was grateful for.

NOVEMBER 1, 2022

I am grateful for the moments the children found and crawled into my new Literacy Boat in The Secret Gardens. Grateful that I was able to catch Daniel with his book, binoculars, and dinosaur pondering life. Grateful for the joy these kiddos bring me each week.

NOVEMBER 2, 2022

I am grateful for the last-minute Secret Gardens Nature Class sign-ups! I wasn’t sure if we were going to run this class, due to low enrollment. Grateful for trusting the process, our robust group, and the joy these little hands bring me. There is nothing better than a little hand reaching for yours.

I have to add one more gratitude from today!!! Grateful for the impromptu invitation, from two boys, for me to join them inside our NEW Literacy boat. As I crawled in, we laughed, used the child-size rakes to row the boat, and imagined the rough waves knocking us around. Grateful that they thought to jump out and get their journals so they could document all the events! So thankful to be joining in on their boat play today. A forever memory of being invited to be a kid again.

NOVEMBER 3, 2022

Grateful for my impromptu haircut today and for Emily requesting Before and After photos. From a bit frazzled to feeling ready to take on the world. Thank you to Filomena and her magic touch.

Grateful to have such a loyal companion in our wise old dog Ollie. We spent hours at the Vet today trying to determine what has been causing his ailments. He continues to stand tall and proud despite not feeling well. Not much fun at 12 years old. Missed getting a picture of our Veterinarian, who gave Ollie the extra care he needed. Thank you!

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Grateful for the gift of working from home and that I can make my own lunch every day.

Grateful to have met Dawn, the art teacher at GUS, in the 2-hour visiting hours line for a mutual friend. Grateful for the reminder to live every day and to fill it with joy and service.

NOVEMBER 5, 2022

Grateful to have had the opportunity to write an article called, “What if the Future of Our Field is Outdoors?” for Exchange Magazine. Grateful for all the editors who put this amazing special edition together. Thrilled to see my words in print and and thankful for the boost of confidence to continue to get my work into the world. Thank you for the copy!

NOVEMBER 6, 2022

Attended the most beautiful celebration of life today. Honored and grateful to be part of such an incredible community and to be reminded of the power of love. The service was full of stories, tributes, music, and song, in memory of Christy Doxsee. The reading of The Invisible String was brilliant and made me think how Cristy is still teaching us all. Thank you!