365 days of grateful {january}

i, like most, was excited about this new year, the new number…
twenty ten…the new possibilities,
the new clean slate.
even though this year certainly did not start off as i dreamed, it has not stopped
me from starting a few new projects that i have wanted to do since last year.
this one in particular has gained a bit more significance for me now…
it is a grateful project.

there are many ways to go about this. one can keep a journal, draw, cook,
or in my case, take a picture…more specifically, a picture everyday for 365 days. something right in front of you,
in your world that you may have taken for granted in the past. something that when you look at brings you joy,
makes you feel feelings of gratefulness.
this project is not meant to be fancy or for show or for competition. this is purely for me (or you).
once i told my own family what i was doing, they wanted to do their own as well (happiness)
and so are my brother’s and sister’s families.
really, what a wonderful family project. how cool to see what each others ‘gratefuls’ are.

i am discovering that this little exercise is turning certain thoughts of mine right side up. that is a very good thing.
i’m also being gently reminded everyday that i really, truly and honestly have everything i need,
everything that is important to me right here…in front of me,
much of which has no price tag but is nevertheless priceless.
things to be grateful for are all around us, just waiting to be noticed. and when you really really start seeing,
you feel such pure, simple joy.
what a beautiful thing.

i want to share mine maybe monthly, maybe from time to time. this is my first.

will you join me in starting your very own 365 days of gratefulness?