Hello darling readers,

how are you this dark and cold night? Or if you are in Australia …warm and balmy day?

Let me please take a moment to express how much I hate little plot bunnies, which hop into your head just as you are about to fall asleep.

Oh Inspiration – you are but a fickle beast, toying with our minds and depriving us of the rest we need.

However while lying in bed, the word “Gratitude” somehow came into my mind. I think it was probably because it’s a very prominent topic on my phone right now – I have the “Gratitude” app and I am also testing out a self-care app called “Finch” – which is extremely cute. Self-Care + Gamification + Cute little penguin = satisfied Laura.

Finch is Duolinguo’s less passive-aggressive cousin.

So let’s talk about gratitude and the powerful effects it can have on one’s own well-being.

Take full account of what Excellencies you possess, and in gratitude remember how you would hanker after them, if you had them not.

Marcus Aurelius

The question we can ask: are we grateful because we are happy or are we happy because we are grateful?

Personally the feeling of gratitude often happens when I am feeling uncomfortable or negative, I stop and analyse my surroundings and think of something that I am grateful for at that moment and I am rewarded with a little bit of inner sparkle.

This week I have tried to be mindful of being grateful. It’s not easy – sometimes we are so absorbed in our negativity or in the stress of life, that we completely forget to stop and just say…thank you.

Please allow me to indulge you in what I was grateful this week.

This week I was sitting with my work colleauges at lunch. They were discussing Xmas plans. I was then asked “Oh what about you Laura? Are you still going to the UK?”.

“No”I replied “I’m staying here this xmas”

“Alone?”

Before I could answer, another co-worker said “Before you’re alone, you are always invited around to our place for xmas”.

I am not particularly close to this co-worker. We don’t work together very often – yet she opened up her home to me on Xmas.

I am grateful for the kindness and compassion for others.

Last night I was walking in the cold to the tram station, the rain falling on my face, shivering and feeling generally bleugh I looked at my coat and thought “Wow…I am so happy I am wearing this coat and I am not completely freezing.

I am grateful that I can afford possessions which keep me comfortable.

Tonight I was able to get lost in a book – I allowed my mind to drift away and to put the stress of the week behind me.

I am grateful for the education which I received, which allowed me to read.

What are you grateful for? Tell yourself before you tell me. Or tell me, if it helps you tell yourself 🙂

On that note – good night (I am grateful for warm fuzzy socks and a warm comfy bed)

Thanks for reading,

Laura xoxoxoxo