Slice of Life Challenge #23: Day 9/31: Currently

 For the month of March, I am writing and posting a slice of my life, hosted by Two Writing Teachers. 

Slice of Life Challenge #23: Day 9/31: 

Currently

Currently...

I'm watching The Last of Us, Slow Horses, and Shrinking. I only watch The Last of Us and Slow Horses when I am together with my boyfriend, Steve. 

I'm reading Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson, Before I Met You by Lisa Jewell, and Real Happiness at Work by Sharon Salzberg. I am ALWAYS reading more than one book at a time.

I'm thinking about next year's teaching assignment. Today I was notified by Human Resources that I was awarded the position that I applied for. Instead of a .6 in Alternative Education and a .4 in English, I will have a 1.0 in English. Instead of preparing for four separate classes and toggling between two different departments, I will only have seniors for English next year. While I will miss working with students in an alternative education setting, I am excited for this change. I need a better home/work balance.

I'm listening to an audio book on Hoopla - Pam Jenoff's Code Name Sapphire. I have also been listening to Kate Bowler's Everything Happens Podcast. I also listen to music often. Lately I have been listening to the Once soundtrack. 

I've been researching about crocheting and gardening. Lately I have been making amigurumi. Now that it's March, I am thinking about how I want to plan my vegetable and herb garden this year.

I'm grateful for my teenage children, a loving boyfriend, my clowder of cats, a stable job, health insurance, a house, and having enough.    

Thank you to Elisabeth for inspiring this post. 

Slice of Life Challenge #23: Day 5/31: Walking In Nature

For the month of March, I am writing and posting a slice of my life, hosted by Two Writing Teachers. 

Slice of Life Challenge #23: Day 5/31: 

Walking In Nature

When I was an undergraduate, I often walked through Schmeeckle Reserve when I needed a break from studying or a slice of solitude. Schmeeckle was right on the edge of campus - a short walk from my dorm. Back then, I did not realize how fortunate I was to have such a beautiful, safe space to explore. I also did not fully understand how walking benefited mental and physical health. I just knew that I felt better when I returned from a walk. 

Over twenty years later, walking remains my go-to for relieving stress or anxiety. It is my preferred form of exercise, even through bitter cold Wisconsin temperatures. I am a better version of myself when I regularly walk outside. 

Yesterday morning I was fortunate to be able to walk through Schmeeckle.  

I am grateful for walking. I am grateful for city nature spaces, like Schmeeckle. I am grateful for the calm yesterday's walk gave me.  

Slice of Life Challenge #23: Day 4/31: Progressive Lenses

 For the month of March, I am writing and posting a slice of my life, hosted by Two Writing Teachers. 

Slice of Life Challenge #23: Day 4/31: 

Progressive Lenses

Sometime last spring I had an appointment with my optometrist. He and I had the talk. I imagine that our exchange went a little like this: 

"Tell me about your vision when you are reading?"

"Oh. It's fine, but I take my glasses off, just like when I am using my phone or the computer."

"Is that because you cannot see very well?"

I paused. A LONG pause.

"Oh, You mean blurry? Yeah, I guess that's why I take my glasses off. It's really just when I need to see my phone, the Chromebook, and books. So yeah, I guess that I do this often."

"Your prescription has changed a little bit." (Readers, trust me. He gave me all of the optometrist jargon that I cannot currently pull out of my memory.) 

"You will likely be able to get by for a while by just talking off your glasses for reading text up close. However, you may want to think about Progressive Lenses the next time you buy new glasses."

"Progressive Lenses? Like bifocals?" 

"I am not recommending a lined bifocal. We now have the option of Progressive Lenses. It helps transition between near and far prescriptions within the lens."

"For your glasses prescription, I will indicate that Progressive Lenses are optional. You can take some time and think about it."

**************************************

I definitely took my time in ordering a new pair of glasses, mostly because I was putting off the decision of whether or not to order Progressive Lenses. I was warned it would be an adjustment and a significant cost increase. 

The hinge point was when the screws kept coming loose on one side of my glasses - something that I haven't experienced before. I thought that it was just time to get a new pair of frames. However, when I went in recently for an adjustment, the technician asked me if I took off my glasses a lot. Immediately, I realized that I was taking off my glasses multiple times a day for when I needed to read text up close. She gently reminded me that investing in Progressive Lenses would help with this problem.

This past Thursday I picked up my new pair of glasses, complete with Progressive Lenses.  Friday was the first day that I wore my new Progressive Lenses. My depth perception is still a bit weird. I am still learning where to look through my new glasses. I am using my old prescription for driving until I get used to my new lenses.

My Progressive Lenses are a gentle reminder that we are not immortal. After all, our bodies won't last forever. Just like getting my colonoscopy screening, it makes me feel a bit a lot more seasoned. Yet, I cannot help but be grateful that I can afford Progressive Lenses and there are options to bifocal lenses. 

  

My new frames (and Progressive Lenses)

Slice of Life #22: Day 24: Making Pierogi

 For the month of March, each day I am writing and posting a slice of my life, hosted by Two Writing Teachers. 

Slice of Life #22: Day 24: 

Making Pierogi

"Want to make pierogi?" I asked Isaac, my teenage son. 

He eagerly nodded a yes. 

"Pierogi are sooooo good." 

I smiled. Until that day, he had only had pierogi, also known as Polish Dumplings, from the frozen food aisle. In my opinion, frozen food is never a close comparison to the real thing.  

"I bet you will love pierogi that isn't frozen and processed, Isaac." 

Our cooking day was a frigid Saturday afternoon back in January. It was a quiet and rare day, just the two of us - the perfect day to try a new recipe.

"I'm a little nervous as I have never made it from scratch before. I guess we order pizza if it's a flop." I offered. 

I handed him my tattered copy of Leanne Brown's Good and Cheap and instructed him to search for the pierogi recipe. Next I reminded Isaac that the biggest cooking mistakes have been made when I have not taken the time to read the entire recipe before getting started.

Isaac read the recipe and slyly remarked, "we can handle this, Mom." 

In the next few moments I placed the flour, yogurt, salt, and eggs on the counter. I handed my son five Russet potatoes to peel and cube. 

As he boiled the potato pieces, I made the dough. 

Throughout the process, we continued to return to the recipe, occasionally reading aloud the instructions, "What does it mean to have a floured surface?"  

"It's like when we make cut out cookies," I explained. "That way, the dough doesn't stick so much to the surface." 

That Saturday I taught him how to flatten out the dough with the rolling pin. We used the top of a water glass to make dozens of circle shapes. Inevitably, flour was everywhere. 

He spooned in a teaspoon of the potato mixture inside each dough circle. From there, I folded the dough over the filling, sealed and pinched the sides together with a fork. We created an assembly line. 

Plop. Fold. Seal. Fork.  

Plop. Fold. Seal. Fork.

Plop. Fold. Seal. Fork.

We continued the process until all of the ingredients were used up. Isaac and I counted up the pierogi. We made over seventy! 

The final step was to boil the pierogi. By the way, pierogi are done when they float to the top of the lightly salted water! 

Although you can eat pierogi after they are boiled, I like to sauté pierogi with a bit of butter. They tasted amazing with a little bit of sour cream.   

"You were right, Mom. Homemade pierogi taste SO much better than the frozen stuff! It was fun to make, too." 

That night we both went to bed with full bellies. Most importantly, I was so grateful for this experience of cooking pierogi with my son.

Slice of Life Challenge #21 Day 26: Delightful Surprise

For the month of March, each day I am writing and posting a slice of my life, hosted by Two Writing Teachers. 

Slice of Life Challenge #21 Day 26: Delightful Surprise

Last Monday morning I peered into my wooden mailbox slot in the school office. I noticed a small envelope with my name on it. 

I could barely wait to see what was inside and opened it before I even got to my classroom door. To my surprise, it was an encouraging note and sticker from a friend/colleague. Smiling to myself, I hugged the note and sticker close to my chest. 

Sometimes the smallest gestures make a huge difference. 

Slice of Life Challenge #21 Day 24: FaceTime Chats

For the month of March, each day I am writing and posting a slice of my life, hosted by Two Writing Teachers. 

Slice of Life Challenge #21 Day 24: FaceTime Chats

"FaceTime soon?" Steve texts me.

"Yes please," I reply.

"Ready now?" 

"Yup." I find myself giddy waiting for his call. 

I hear the familiar FaceTime ringtone and accept his call.

This is a nightly ritual for my boyfriend and me, unless we are physically with each other.

We began dating towards the beginning of the pandemic. For the first two months of our relationship, we didn't see each other in person. Since we live in different towns and have a bit of distance between us, we tried to stay connected in whatever way we could. We tried phone calls, but my reception was awful. We tried Google Hangout, a little bit of WhatsApp, and landed on using FaceTime. 

Over our daily FaceTime chat, we talk about our day, tell each other stories, and can even show each other what is happening at our respective homes. I like that I can see his facial expressions and hear the inflections in his voice. At times, when one of us is tired or has something going on, our chat is brief - sometimes only ten minutes. However, we can easily FaceTime for an hour or more. These moments make me feel like a swooning teen. 

Throughout the year, there have been many examples when I had a rough day with school or other events. Connecting with Steve on Facetime almost always brightens my mood. Steve continuously makes me laugh and smile. I can be silly with him, yet we can share incredibly serious things. I feel listened to, respected, and loved. It's reassuring when I can hear his voice and see his face. He's usually the last person I see or talk with before I fall asleep.  

In the past year, he has become my best friend. I believe that our video chats brought us closer together and helped us stay connected. I couldn't be more grateful.  

What technology tools have you used to stay in touch with loved ones during the pandemic? 

Slice of Life #21 Challenge Day 2: Vaccinated!

"Got my vaccine!" My friend texted us in a small group chat. Another friend responded with the heart ❤️reaction in her text and replied, "yeah!" 

My brother recently posted a photo of the Band-Aid on his arm and a "I got the COVID-19 Vaccine" sticker on social media. His post was flooded with likes. 👍🏻

We've all been celebrating the recent availability of the COVID-19 Vaccine. Educators in our state were just approved to receive the vaccine. When it was my turn to schedule my immunization, I was elated. Acting on a tip from a friend/colleague, I was able to schedule an immunization at one of our local pharmacies. As soon as I confirmed my first immunization was scheduled, I shared my good fortune with my mom, my boyfriend, and my friends. That night I couldn't sleep. Who would have ever thought that I would be excited about a vaccine?

Last night I received my first Covid-19 vaccination. I was so nervous that I forgot my printed consent/insurance forms for receiving the immunization. My hands were shaky as I signed my name. I almost checked that I had received the shingles shot. (I hadn't.) The pharmacy technician, who must deal with people like me all of the time, was gracious and handed me new paperwork so I didn't miss my appointment. 

As I waited for my name to be called, I sat in the cold plastic chair at Walgreens, wrapped my feet around the metal legs, and nervously scrolled through my phone. 

"Trina?" 

I nearly jumped at the sound of my name. 

"Yes," my voice was barely audible.

I was brought back into a small vaccination booth and the pharmacist gently said, "this will be similar to a flu shot. Just relax." I pulled up my left sleeve, held out my arm, and looked away. 

After one deep breath, it was over. The injection didn't even hurt. 

Unfortunately, I didn't receive a cool sticker like my brother did, but I now have a bit more relief that I am a little closer to protecting myself against getting seriously ill from Covid-19. 

I am grateful. 

Looking to connect with a positive, supportive online community? Consider sharing a slice of your life with Two Writing Teachers. All writers are welcome! 

#sosmagic: Generous Gifts

I’m joining an open community of writers over at Sharing Our Stories: Magic in a Blog. If you write (or want to write) just for the magic of it, consider this your invitation to join us.#sosmagic

#sosmagic: Generous Gifts

In the midst of a divorce last fall, I moved out. Suddenly, I found myself in a new neighborhood, in an empty rental house without a whole lot of furniture or household items. I felt lost in every way possible. 

I had begun a new journey. It was a journey that was was one of the most terrifying and painful things that I had ever experienced but necessary.

Friends, family, and colleagues helped make this transition more bearable and gifted me with all kinds of unexpected blessings. Beyond listening to me and providing a constant emotional support system, I received all kinds of gifts including a house full of furniture, hand -made quilts, house plants, baking pans, silverware, glassware, sheet sets, bicycles, a vaccuum cleaner, tools, and even a gently used lawn mower and snow blower. I was so humbled by all that people shared with me.

Now there is not a room in my house where I am not surrounded by the reminder that people went out of their way to help me when I needed it the most. Evidence of love and support is scattered throughout my house. 

The rocking chair, braided rug, floor lamp, and plant were all items given to me.

I will forever be deeply touched at all of these gestures of love.

Yesterday, as I was thinking about Ruth's invitation to consider the magic of words, I realized that many of my favorite words are connected with generosity. As I played around with lists of words in my notebook, I came up with the following Haiku, a bit of a tribute to some lovely words and for my appreciation for all who shared such amazing gifts with me:

Generosity -/ 

gifts shared. Meaningful gestures./

Community love.   

Slice of Life #20 Challenge Day 24/31: Spring Fling

Slice of Life #20 Challenge Day 24/31: 
Spring Fling

Leigh Anne Eck, thoughtful blogger at A Day in the Life, challenged slicers to a virtual party, inviting others to share their best self-care ideas. 

I cannot resist a good party, so here are my three suggestions of self-care:

Practice gratitude. I strive to write a daily list of three things I'm grateful for. I've found that practicing gratitude helps me reframe my attitude, especially when I am cranky or feeling negative about something in my life. 

This morning's gratitude
1. Having my kids with me and feeling their fierce hugs
2. Noticing positive sidewalk messages/drawings
3. Receiving a stream of great messages from a certain friend - one who continually makes me smile

Movement. For me, this is walking. I have a great walking partner who is also a friend and neighbor. However, I also love walking alone, especially early in the morning before most of the world is awake.

Maintaining connection. Lately, this has been connecting with friends and loved ones through conversations on my cell phone, through Google Meet, and even through traditional letter writing. Although I pop in and out of social media, this is my least favorite way to connect with someone. 

What are your best ideas for current self-care?

Thank you, Leigh Anne, for organizing this positive, helpful party. 

Looking to connect with a positive, supportive online community? 

Consider sharing a slice of yourlife with Two Writing Teachers. 

All writers are welcome! 

Slice of Life #20 Challenge Day 19/31: The Pileated Woodpecker

Slice of Life #20 Challenge Day 19/31: 
The Pileated Woodpecker

Hammer. Hammer. Hammer.

When I initally heard this noise a few months ago, I panicked. I couldn't figure out what was hammering on my house. Was someone trying to get in?

Hammer. Hammer. Hammer.

Then I saw it - a pileated woodpecker, hammering into the green siding of the house I rent. I noticed two small holes, just underneath my outside lights. Although I initially reported it to my landord, he already knew about it and assured me that there wasn't much I could do. 

Trust me, many Saturday and Sunday mornings this sound has disturbed my sleep, startling me awake. It's loud. It's annoying. It makes my old house vibrate.

This isn't the pileated woodpecker that visits my house.
Instead, it is a photo my dad took last year, somewhere in SE Wisconsin. 

But this morning, on my first day of distance learning, I heard the hammering. I peeked out the window and saw him - the woodpecker, trying to build a nest. Or something. 

I smiled. His hammering was something I expected. Especially in a world that seems so unpredictable and scary lately, I loved hearing this familiar sound of the pileated woodpecker. 

If you look closely, you can see two small holes of damage caused by woodpeckers. 

For the first time, I realized that this pounding reminds of a heartbeat - a consistent rhythm. As strange as it sounds, it brought me a bit a peace this morning. For this, I am especially grateful. 

Looking to connect with a positive, supportive online community? 

Consider sharing a slice of yourlife with Two Writing Teachers. 

All writers are welcome! 

Slice of Life #20 Challenge Day 18/31: Practicing Self-Care

Slice of Life #20 Challenge Day 18/31: 

Practicing Self-Care

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been a lot of changes in the last week of school. Professionally, I have had a difficult time keeping up with all of the messages and directives. I am doing my best to learn how to teach and connect with my students from afar. This is all really new to me. Yet, I know that our administrators, both at the district and building levels, are doing the best that they can - just like I am doing as a classroom teacher.

There have been several moments in the past few days that I have been on the edge of tears. As much as I don't want to admit this, there have been many moments that I have actually cried - sometimes out of frustration, sometimes out of fear, and sometimes out of just feeling incredibly overwhelmed. I don't think that I am alone in experiencing these intense emotions. 

There are so many unknowns; For me, the unknown (and what is beyond my control) makes me feel the most unsteady.  

As a parent, teacher, and friend, there are three things that have been incredibly helpful in practicing self-care for me during the past few days: 

• Walking around my neighborhood. I am fortunate to have a fantastic walking buddy and now friend, Dave. Although Dave and I are on completely different paths in life, he and I have shared fantastic conversations and connection. It's been a good, meaningful distraction. 
• Writing in my notebook. It's still my daily practice write at least three pages. More than anything, Writing has been my way out when I have experienced anything challenging. Each day I continue to list what I am grateful for. Practicing gratitude is often how I can flip my perspective to something more positive. 
• Talking to loved ones and friends on the telephone. Yes, talking, not just texting. A few days ago I swear I could actually hear my friend Steve's smile in his voice. More than once, he has made me laugh when I was feeling cranky. In general, talking on the phone has helped me stay connected with people that I may not be able to see in person. It helps me feel less alone.

Fellow readers, what has been most helpful to you during this time? 

Looking to connect with a positive, supportive online community? 

Consider sharing a slice of yourlife with Two Writing Teachers. 

All writers are welcome! 

Take 2: Slice of Life #20 Challenge Day 17/31: In Gratitude of Library Media Specialists

*Apparently, the post from yesterday did not work well once it was sent via email. This is the same post, but I made it an easier format to read. Thank you for your patience; I'm still learning how to do this blogging thing. 

Slice of Life #20 Challenge Day 17/31: 

In Gratitude of Library Media Specialists

Perhaps one of our most unglected, unsung heroes are our librarians. 

Our school district recently posted this:

Indeed, our amazing school librarians (also called Library Media Specialists) helped ensure that all of our students were sent home with books to read. As a teacher, this was a lifesaver to me. This is even more important since our public library is currently closed, due to COVID-19.

I'm certain that yesterday was an incredibly overwhelming and tiring day for those who work in our school's library. Yet, our beloved Mary and Betsy checked out SO many materials to our students and staff. Students were squirrley and I am sure at times disrespectful, but I never heard a complaint. As usual, Betsy and Mary were patient, courteous, and smiled. 

So if you haven't done so yet, please profusely thank your school Library Media Specialists. They deserve our accolades. 

Fellow readers, I am sure that you would agree - especially in times that seem dark and scary, books can make all the difference. Many of our students do not have adequate book acess. Books help students have a place to metaphorically escape - a lifeline. 

I am especially grateful that I got to check out books for me and my own children to read. In fact, as I left school today, I had so many books, the bag split. 

I'm reminded, especially today of these two things: Libraries matter. Librarians matter.

Looking to connect with a positive, supportive online community? 

Consider sharing a slice of yourlife with Two Writing Teachers. 

All writers are welcome! 

Working on Self-Love

Early this morning, while mindlessly scrolling social media, I read a smart post on Instagram from brilliant Emily McDowell. This post on her Insta account (see below) really resonated with me: 

For so long I found myself searching for some sort of external validation, just like Ms. McDowell wrote about, in hopes of some support and of bit of loving attention. In reality, I was struggling with some tough personal things. While swimming through the mess, I found that I didn't trust myself. I didn't have the right supports in place I needed. I didn't love myself. In turn, I have recently realized that searching for external validation just made me ache more. 

I'm slowly learning that I don't need external validation. I need to listen to myself. I need to love myself. I need to trust myself. I need to keep writing, reflecting. I need to keep talking to professionals. I need to be kind and gentle with myself.  

Friends, this is not easy work. 

Ms. McDowell's suggestion to text a beautiful message to myself makes so much sense. I realized that it is another thing that I can do, especially when I am in need.

Today I'm thankful she put these words out in the world. In response, I wrote the double Haiku below: 

Texts, emails sent for-/

external validation/

increased my heartache.

Self-love required/

for radical, loving change.

Gentle, kind message. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #22: Practicing Gratitude

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #22: 
Practicing Gratitude 

Most days I write a list in my notebook expressing what I'm grateful for. This especially helps me re-frame my mindset when I am feeling low or anxious about something. I recently reread my gratitude lists and realized I have writing territories within my lists: I often write about family, friends, church community, beauty in unexpected places, and shelter. It's a practice I hope that I continue to keep up with.  

Daily gratitude/

(no matter how small) helps me/
realize abundance. 

Why I Slice

I have been going through some heavy, messy personal stuff for a long time now. In the past week I have been especially grappling with some significant shame. Although writing is often healing for me, sometimes it also takes me on a path that makes it easy for me to ruminate on all that is painful. This sort of writing often comes out in my daily Morning Pages in my notebooks. 

My current notebook

Although I can usually talk about messy, heavy stuff with trusted friends and professionals, I purposely do not share in a public way - through social media or through blogging. 

Yesterday, for the first time in over a month, I wrote and posted this slice on Two Writing Teachers. Writing about an ordinary moment (playing games with my children when we were without power) helped me to focus in the best way. In addition, it reminded me how writing about one ordinary thing can be worthy of my time and valuable to leading a writerly life. As an unexpected bonus, writing a slice helped me set aside some of my shame yesterday. It helped me feel good. I needed this.

Chief of Operations and Lead Writer, Stacey Schubitz, reminds us that, "Our daily lives are filled with so many worthy moments just waiting to be written about and shared." Indeed, writing about ordinary moments is essential. In addition, I love reading small moments from other slicers and rereading some of my own slices. 

Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers writing community. This is why I slice.  

March Slice of Life Challenge Day 23: Hot Water

For the month of March, each day I am writing and posting a slice of my life, hosted by Two Writing Teachers. 

March Slice of Life Challenge Day 23: Hot Water

It was a typical early Monday morning marathon. As usual, I had pushed snooze on my alarm far too many times, resulting in a later, stressful start.

I just needed a quick shower. I turned on our faucet, heard the water pelt the porcelain, and I stepped in the bathtub.

A blast of ice water stunned me. 

My body dripping, I immediately stepped on the bath mat and found solace in a nearby body towel. Although I was the first person in the shower that morning and never needed to let the water warm, I let the faucet run for a few moments. 

Come on, warm up. 

My arm tested the water. Still ice.

Ugh.

I turned off the water, turned it back on again, as if somehow I had forgotten how to make the shower work right. 

No hot water.

"Joel! I think there's something wrong with our water heater!" I bellowed to my groggy husband, who had just rolled out of bed. Joel headed to the basement.

Impatiently, I glanced at the clock. How were we going to get ready in time for school? 

Quickly, I gave myself what my mom called a "spit bath" - soap, water, washcloth. Soon, I instructed my teenage son and tween daughter to do the same. They both balked at the absence of hot water and cleaning themselves in this archaic manner. 

"Put on extra deodorant today. You don't want to be stinky" I nagged my kids. I could almost feel their eye rolls. 

Soon my husband emerged from the basement, "Yup, definitely the water heater. It leaked all over. I guess I will need to call a repairmen and work from home today."

I sighed. Joel sighed. Basement water clean up. A maintenance call. New water heater. We didn't need any of it.  

In the end, we all made it to school on time. I felt grimy and dirty all day. The water heater was replaced the same day. 

As soon as I returned home and the new water heater was installed, I took a long, hot shower. I felt each droplet hit my body, spent several moments savoring the instant hot water on my skin, and whispered several prayers of gratitude for that shower. 

I couldn't have been more thankful for our instant hot water that evening. 

March Slice of Life Challenge Day 19: Daily Gratitude

For the month of March, each day I am writing and posting a slice of my life, hosted by Two Writing Teachers. 

March Slice of Life Challenge Day 19: 
Daily Gratitude

It's easy for me to get discouraged by challenges I face. Sometimes these challenges turn into disconnection, withdrawal, fear, and pain. Then I find myself in a not-so-healthy space, and I do not show up how I want to. In an effort to be a more mentally healthy person, I make room for daily gratitude.

Each night before I fall asleep, I write at least three things I am grateful for from that day. For example, on Sunday night here are a few things that I wrote about:

1. My thirteen-year-old son had a great weekend at camp with his Boy Scout troop. He got to spend the weekend outside with friends and exploring -unstructured play. He came back exhausted but excited to tell me all about his adventures. I am thankful he experiences weekends like this, and it makes me happy that he still shares this with me.
2. In church this morning my wonderful friend Bonnie reminded me of the positive connections I have in our congregation. As a seasoned grandma and great-grandma, I appreciate the wisdom and care Bonnie shares with me. This morning I felt anxious and feeling unsettles, but being at church for just an hour helped ease that. 
3. We found our missing library book. For the past month, even time I have received an overdue notice in my email or have walked into the library, I have felt full of guilt. I am not sure where this book has been, but I am glad that it finally showed up and we only have a fine instead of paying to replace the whole book.
4. I have some generous, kind friends who I was able to spend time with over the weekend. I appreciate how my friends show me unconditional love and make me laugh.  

Gratitude, unfortunately, doesn't just happen. It needs to be an intentional, daily act. Some days I will write one or two full pages on what I am grateful for that day, and it gives me a sense of peace before I sleep. 

For the past three years I have been in a daily habit of recording daily gratitude. If I am going through a particularly rough spot, I also begin my day with expressing gratitude. Sometimes I share out loud what I am grateful for with my dog on an early morning walk. Other times I have a conversation with one of my children on the way to school or over breakfast about what I am thankful for that day. If I have time, I take out my writer's notebook and write more gratitude. Noticing and sharing gratitude (through writing or conversation) makes a huge difference for me. 

I believe that noticing gratitude brings more joy, and I want to lead a life filled with more joy.