Tag: nature

My Next Project!

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.

Follow The Gratitude Journal for bi-weekly videos and posts in-between about living life with positivity. I want to hear your story!

If you’re interested in Guest Blogging for the Gratitude Journal, click (here)!

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. 

Turn & Return (#361)

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…

  1. Fresh flowers to brighten my apartment
  2. Loved ones in different time zones
  3. Dancing and confidence in motion
  4. The last bite of ice cream, every single time
  5. Home videos and photo albums
  6. Dawg Saturdays
  7. Catching up over a shared meal
  8. Serendipity and things unexplainable
  9. Getting handwritten letters in the mail
  10. Cooking and trying new recipes together
  11. Hiking and time outside
  12. Sunsets while canoeing on Lake Washington
  13. Crisp air on early morning runs
  14. Poetry, both to read and write
  15. Pear-picking in the garden with my grandparents in the summers
  16. The mountains, evergreens, the ocean, and all reminders of the PNW
  17. My parents and siblings
  18. Both cheesy jokes and witty jokes
  19. Picnics and frisbee at Gas Works Park
  20. Trust and hope in the unknown
  21. The smell of fresh coffee in the morning
  22. Cross country moves and having multiple places to call home
  23. My loving and supportive boyfriend, JA
  24. All that has led me to right now
  25. This very moment
Link to my blog: julievvan.wordpress.com
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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)!

Change Is All Around Us (#274)

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…

  1. Bike rides with Stephen
  2. When my mom comes and visits
  3. Clean water
  4. Texts from Peter in Mississippi
  5. Finding the time
  6. Lending a helping hand
  7. Good teachers and bad teachers
  8. Warm blankets
  9. Handstand practice
  10. My process
  11. Good parking
  12. The upcoming long weekend
  13. A clean apartment
  14. Handstand practice
  15. When things work out
  16. Reminders to be patient
  17. Long runs
  18. New music Friday
  19. Sharing laughter and food
  20. Old man basketball on Wednesday’s
  21. Good mentors and role models
  22. Lessons learned
  23. Cozy socks
  24. UMass Amherst
  25. 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!

Hold On (#270)

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…

  1. Handwritten notes
  2. Late night ice cream
  3. A clean apartment
  4. Safe travels
  5. My family
  6. The weekend
  7. Supportive supervisors
  8. A full tank of gas
  9. Going to concerts with my brother
  10. Morning tea and bagels
  11. Getting things done
  12. Teaching CORE
  13. Good conversation
  14. Mentoring
  15. My summer abroad
  16. Spotify radio
  17. Clean water
  18. Cupcake and cake frosting
  19. Positivity and gratitude
  20. Time to journal
  21. Waking up next to my cat, Ned
  22. Rainy days
  23. Good advice
  24. A couple deep breaths
  25. 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.

Starting Off On The Right Foot (#255)

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…

  1. Cooking meals
  2. Having things to do
  3. Learning something new
  4. Nighttime yoga and stretching
  5. The warmth of the sun
  6. The view from my balcony
  7. When my family visits me
  8. Feeling organized
  9. Making new friends
  10. My Peer Mentor staff
  11. Local pizza and bagels
  12. Fresh smelling flowers and plants
  13. Days I can wear sweatpants
  14. Chicken nugget deals
  15. My local Big Y
  16. Cat videos from friends
  17. Summer grilling
  18. The New England Patriots are back this Sunday
  19. Food and Ice cream trucks
  20. Walks through campus
  21. Bike rides to Northampton
  22. Pleasant surprises
  23. My bed
  24. My cat
  25. 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.

Taking It Slow (#220)

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…

  1. Mistakes and moments of learning
  2. A full night’s rest
  3. The sound and feeling of rain
  4. Firefighters and first responders
  5. My siblings
  6. Late night mac and cheese
  7. Delivering pizza in high school
  8. The sound of the train passing in the night
  9. My friends at UMass
  10. Time outside
  11. Rainy days and vinyl records
  12. Love
  13. A little bit of bravery
  14. Patriot games on Sundays
  15. Local homemade ice cream
  16. Talks about the Universe
  17. A “yes and” mentality
  18. A clear sky and a full moon
  19. Working for Swift Kick in New York
  20. Time at the gym and people who keep me working towards my goals
  21. Holidays with my family
  22. Good dreams
  23. CLEAN WATER! Check out my project and see how you can get involved!
  24. Lazy days with my cat, Ned
  25. 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.

    My Clean Water Project (#205)

    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…

    1. CLEAN WATER ((https://my.charitywater.org/jacob-ames/clean-water-jha))
    2. Good teamwork
    3. Perspective
    4. Honesty
    5. New music
    6. A little understanding
    7. Supportive people
    8. Singing in the car with the windows down
    9. Mentors and teachers
    10. Passionate people
    11. Healing
    12. A hot shower
    13. Old Man Basketball on Wednesdays
    14. Listening to vinyl with my parents
    15. Friendly pets
    16. Working Orientation in the summer
    17. Time to journal
    18. Spontaneity
    19. Time to get organized
    20. The smell of the ocean
    21. Sharing laughter
    22. My family
    23. An empty email box
    24. Time at the gym
    25. 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. 

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    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. 

     

    Getting Back In A Groove (#204)

    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…

    1. Catching up on sleep
    2. Clean water
    3. Sharing pictures
    4. Morning cartoons
    5. Local cartoons
    6. The warmth of the sun
    7. Safe travels
    8. Teamwork
    9. Creative people
    10. Walks through an empty campus
    11. Summer beach music
    12. My family
    13. A couple of deep breaths
    14. Time to journal
    15. Cereal snacks
    16. Lawn games
    17. Home cooked meals
    18. Gratitude
    19. The smell of the ocean
    20. Watching the Pats on Sundays
    21. Good teachers
    22. Working at the Food Bank with Bryan
    23. Learning new things
    24. Change
    25. 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.

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    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. 

    My Own Adventure (#203)

    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…

    1. Haggis
    2. My audiobook
    3. Being in nature
    4. My family
    5. Helpful humans
    6. Incredible views
    7. Keeping notes
    8. Getting my steps in
    9. My hometown
    10. Videos of my cat
    11. Music to relax
    12. Texts from Home
    13. Supporting my friends
    14. Quick snacks
    15. Warm brownies
    16. Sleeping in my own bed
    17. Clean water
    18. Life lessons
    19. A full day
    20. Funny tour guides
    21. A few deep breaths
    22. Having a plan of action
    23. Stories from Loch Ness
    24. Free travel
    25. 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.