Tag: nature
Thanks for watching! Still trying to master video but I’m excited to share this first installment. Now that I have completed 365 days of gratitude, I’m ready for what comes next.
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Check out my first blog 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I started writing about gratitude and why I want you to start writing a list of your own.
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This community post was written by Julie Van. A published writer in the Seattle Times, an exceptionally talented poet, and a long time supporter of The Gratitude Journal.
I am constantly reminded of two important facts: change will happen and growth is a choice. The uncertainty and surprises of life often converge into a sweet whirlwind of learning. And when I think I have things figured out, I am humbled by all that I do not know. I’ve also learned to not be afraid of what I do not know.
The turns of our lives is a result of choice and decisions made. What we choose to do is not only a reflection of ourselves and our values, but the circumstances that have pulled us to the moment. Each choice then weaves into the larger fabric of who we are – and also who we wish to be.
The challenge with choice is the courage needed to make a decision. How do we continue to nurture and care for that seed of confidence that is within us all? Especially on days when it feels as if every movement is a constant wallow through doubt and hesitation.
We remember to look inwards and return to ourselves. We remind ourselves of the strength within and look at our values as a guide. And sometimes we look outwards. During times when I feel myself loosing control, I feel myself pulled tighter to the kind universe and I know that I will be okay.
Whatever we decide to do, we trust ourselves to make the right choice and remain grateful for the chance.
Today I’m Grateful For…
- Fresh flowers to brighten my apartment
- Loved ones in different time zones
- Dancing and confidence in motion
- The last bite of ice cream, every single time
- Home videos and photo albums
- Dawg Saturdays
- Catching up over a shared meal
- Serendipity and things unexplainable
- Getting handwritten letters in the mail
- Cooking and trying new recipes together
- Hiking and time outside
- Sunsets while canoeing on Lake Washington
- Crisp air on early morning runs
- Poetry, both to read and write
- Pear-picking in the garden with my grandparents in the summers
- The mountains, evergreens, the ocean, and all reminders of the PNW
- My parents and siblings
- Both cheesy jokes and witty jokes
- Picnics and frisbee at Gas Works Park
- Trust and hope in the unknown
- The smell of fresh coffee in the morning
- Cross country moves and having multiple places to call home
- My loving and supportive boyfriend, JA
- All that has led me to right now
- This very moment
Link to my blog: julievvan.wordpress.com
Featured photo of the Cascade Mountains in Washington at sunset
As always, check out my first blog 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.
If you’re interested in Guest Blogging for the Gratitude Journal, click (here)!
As I rode my bike along the Norwottuck Rail Trail, for the first time I saw the reds and oranges of Fall. Leaves, separating from their branches like a bird from its mother, the seasons are changing. In Western Massachusetts, the change is dramatic. The deep green present on campus turns to a crimson red, intent on staying until snow falls in the Winter.
For me, this is both a powerful and perfect time to reflect on summer. To appreciate the time for what it was. There’s a lot of good in my life in the here and now. It’s important to stay focused on my present but I am grateful for my process all the same.
10.05.18
Today I’m Grateful For…
- Bike rides with Stephen
- When my mom comes and visits
- Clean water
- Texts from Peter in Mississippi
- Finding the time
- Lending a helping hand
- Good teachers and bad teachers
- Warm blankets
- Handstand practice
- My process
- Good parking
- The upcoming long weekend
- A clean apartment
- Handstand practice
- When things work out
- Reminders to be patient
- Long runs
- New music Friday
- Sharing laughter and food
- Old man basketball on Wednesday’s
- Good mentors and role models
- Lessons learned
- Cozy socks
- UMass Amherst
- This very moment
As always, check out my first blog 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.
Featured image from Acadia with Julie!
There’s a lot of good in our lives, even when it feels like there isn’t. With a deep breath and some intentional gratitude, you can conquer anything. So hold on, and don’t give up hope. You got this.
09.27.19
Today I’m Grateful For…
- Handwritten notes
- Late night ice cream
- A clean apartment
- Safe travels
- My family
- The weekend
- Supportive supervisors
- A full tank of gas
- Going to concerts with my brother
- Morning tea and bagels
- Getting things done
- Teaching CORE
- Good conversation
- Mentoring
- My summer abroad
- Spotify radio
- Clean water
- Cupcake and cake frosting
- Positivity and gratitude
- Time to journal
- Waking up next to my cat, Ned
- Rainy days
- Good advice
- A couple deep breaths
- The here and now
As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.
Featured image from Acadia.
Tomorrow marks my first day of my last year of graduate school. I may go back for a doctorate but for now, I’m simply thinking about starting tomorrow off on the right foot.
I’ve made it this far and I’m grateful that I have. My education is a privilege and I didn’t get here alone.
09.03.18
Today I’m Grateful For…
- Cooking meals
- Having things to do
- Learning something new
- Nighttime yoga and stretching
- The warmth of the sun
- The view from my balcony
- When my family visits me
- Feeling organized
- Making new friends
- My Peer Mentor staff
- Local pizza and bagels
- Fresh smelling flowers and plants
- Days I can wear sweatpants
- Chicken nugget deals
- My local Big Y
- Cat videos from friends
- Summer grilling
- The New England Patriots are back this Sunday
- Food and Ice cream trucks
- Walks through campus
- Bike rides to Northampton
- Pleasant surprises
- My bed
- My cat
- My present moment
As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.
Featured image from Loch Ness.
Each day that passes means I’m one closer to going home. Time has never moved this slowly my entire life but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I’ve been productive with my time here in England. Although my work isn’t the most rewarding, I’ve worked on a number of projects and feel prepared for the fall semester. I’m still looking forward to heading home and seeing my family but I’ve certainly been able to savor every last second of my summer in the UK 🇬🇧.
07.30.18
Today I’m Grateful For…
- Mistakes and moments of learning
- A full night’s rest
- The sound and feeling of rain
- Firefighters and first responders
- My siblings
- Late night mac and cheese
- Delivering pizza in high school
- The sound of the train passing in the night
- My friends at UMass
- Time outside
- Rainy days and vinyl records
- Love
- A little bit of bravery
- Patriot games on Sundays
- Local homemade ice cream
- Talks about the Universe
- A “yes and” mentality
- A clear sky and a full moon
- Working for Swift Kick in New York
- Time at the gym and people who keep me working towards my goals
- Holidays with my family
- Good dreams
- CLEAN WATER! Check out my project and see how you can get involved!
- Lazy days with my cat, Ned
- The here and now
As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.
Featured image from an older hike. Wouldn’t be able to pick out the mountain but the view still reminds me of the fresh air and warm sun my friends and I shared.
In 2017 I had the opportunity to travel to Cambodia and it changed my life. I saw first-hand people living in poverty without access to such a basic need, clean water. Traveling with a group of college students, we built a handful of bio-sand filters in collaboration with Water For Cambodia. I know from experience how just a few dollars can make such a huge impact.
This has influenced my perspective on life and my appreciation for gratitude.
Many people around the world don’t have the luxury of clean water. Every day, about 1,400 children die from diseases caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are simple solutions like drilled wells, spring protections and BioSand filters that help provide clean water to communities around the world.
100% of the money will be used to build clean water projects, and when they’re complete, charity: water will send us photos and GPS coordinates so we can see the exact community being helped. Donating to my Water Project means a better quality of life for a real community of people. I have 77 days to hit my goal, let’s help change the world together.
07.18.18
Today I’m Grateful For…
- CLEAN WATER ((https://my.charitywater.org/jacob-ames/clean-water-jha))
- Good teamwork
- Perspective
- Honesty
- New music
- A little understanding
- Supportive people
- Singing in the car with the windows down
- Mentors and teachers
- Passionate people
- Healing
- A hot shower
- Old Man Basketball on Wednesdays
- Listening to vinyl with my parents
- Friendly pets
- Working Orientation in the summer
- Time to journal
- Spontaneity
- Time to get organized
- The smell of the ocean
- Sharing laughter
- My family
- An empty email box
- Time at the gym
- The precious present
As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.
Featured image of the Water For Cambodia team. A small group of caring individuals can change the world and these are the people to do it.
Traveling to Scotland was amazing but I’m glad to be back in England. With the time I have left at Essex, it’s my goal to make the most of it in every way possible. I’m happy I’m here and after everything this summer, I’m grateful to be exactly where I am.
07.14.18
Today I’m Grateful For…
- Catching up on sleep
- Clean water
- Sharing pictures
- Morning cartoons
- Local cartoons
- The warmth of the sun
- Safe travels
- Teamwork
- Creative people
- Walks through an empty campus
- Summer beach music
- My family
- A couple of deep breaths
- Time to journal
- Cereal snacks
- Lawn games
- Home cooked meals
- Gratitude
- The smell of the ocean
- Watching the Pats on Sundays
- Good teachers
- Working at the Food Bank with Bryan
- Learning new things
- Change
- The here and now
As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.
Featured image from Loch Ness. So many cool moments after exploring the Scottish highlands. It was a great day with so many moments to appreciate.
This summer has taken me to some pretty incredible places. Grateful to spend my day surrounded by nature in places I never dreamed I’d be able to visit.
07.13.18
Today I’m Grateful For…
- Haggis
- My audiobook
- Being in nature
- My family
- Helpful humans
- Incredible views
- Keeping notes
- Getting my steps in
- My hometown
- Videos of my cat
- Music to relax
- Texts from Home
- Supporting my friends
- Quick snacks
- Warm brownies
- Sleeping in my own bed
- Clean water
- Life lessons
- A full day
- Funny tour guides
- A few deep breaths
- Having a plan of action
- Stories from Loch Ness
- Free travel
- The here and now
As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.
Featured image from the dam in the Scottish highlands. One of my favorites but MANY more to come.
