Another Sunday night, another reflection on all that I am grateful for. This week I made a big change in something for my health, and I feel so much better even only seven days later. That big change was sleep. I’m going to write a bigger post soon about the health benefits of sleep, but just from a personal perspective I have never felt better after getting a week of consistent 7-8 hours every night. I am grateful that I have a life that accommodates this. Chris has been the one keeping me accountable for my sleep, and ensuring that I don’t get up at crazy hours, and I am grateful for his caring attitude towards my health and wellbeing in such a practical way. Now, onto a week where I was very aware of my daily gratitude because I actually had the brain power to remind myself to be present and mindful, and there was so much to be grateful for. Here it is, my Nourished Life Gratitude List – Week Eighteen:
Monday: Today I was grateful for an email inviting me to go on an evening walk with Chris. We wandered up and down the hills around our home and talked about the sensible and inane until the night had set in. It was such a lovely, slow, soul-nourishing way to end the day.
Tuesday: This afternoon I headed to the gym with a less-than motivated attitude. I hopped on the treadmill bargaining with myself to just get through 4 miles of intervals. I ended up making it into 5 miles and walked out out of the gym with a big grin on my face. I was grateful for the unexpectedly awesome run. Sometimes even the most motivated of exercisers needs a little reminder of how awesome they feel post-workout, today was mine. Tonight I was also grateful to talk to my Dad. I miss our every day conversations that we used to have when we lived together. I need to remember to just pick up the phone and call home more often.
Wednesday: I am learning so many lessons from Gretchen Rubin’s book ‘The Happiness Project’ and trying to apply them to my own life. I was grateful for a night of sinking into my book and letting the lessons soak in. I am in the right place to be open to lessons in happiness and habit-forming at the moment and I am grateful that this book came to me at this perfect time.
Thursday: Today Thoroughly Nourished Life hit over 200 fans on Facebook! Thank you all so much for coming and continuing the conversation with me there every day! If you haven’t joined Thoroughly Nourished Life on Facebook yet, there’s a spot waiting at the table for you! Come and see what I am obsessing over and sharing every day of the week!
Friday: Today wild storms flooded Brisbane and I was grateful to be inside, cosy and dry. This morning I was surprised when a huge bunch of flowers was delivered to me at work. My boss remembered Administrative Professional’s Day and treated me to a beautiful bundle of blossoms. I was grateful for the recognition of my work, and the lovely treat. Jess from work and I headed out to our usual Friday lunch and treated ourselves to lunch at a little cafe with large comfy armchairs rather than our usual sushi/salad feast. I was grateful for a lunch that was a real treat with Jess. Tonight after careful weaving my way home through the traffic and flooded streets I had a run at the gym and then snuggled in beside Chris for a quiet night of reading and listening to the rain on our roof. I was grateful for calls from Chris and Dad before I started driving home to ensure that I was going to be okay to drive and reminding me to be super careful. I am grateful that I have so many hearts caring about me every day.
Saturday: Today I started the day with a walk under the gorgeous sunny skies, and then headed into town to visit the Gluten Free Expo with Mum and Jess. Our trio had a wonderful time trying all the different gluten free goodies available now, and I got to meet the wonderful editor of Yum. Gluten Free Magazine, Bianca Shugg. The team at Coeliac Queensland were so generous with the gift basket that I won through their photo competition. I was so grateful that they chose one of my photos for their winners, and I can’t wait to try all the delicious treats inside! This afternoon I spent a great afternoon celebrating at my friend Michelle’s baby shower! We showered her little girl with all things pink and pretty and I was grateful to catch up with so many old friends from near and far.
Sunday: This morning I just needed to be out in the sun. Everything was bathed in beautiful blue. The sky was mirrored on the water. It was the perfect autumn Sunday morning and I was grateful to be out and part of the world on this glorious morning. Chris and I attended a 90th birthday party today too! I was grateful to see my family and say happy birthday to an old family friend who is still adventuring and making memories in his 9th decade – now his 10th!
Also this week:
- My latest breakfast obsession is gluten free and packed with flavour! I need to refill my granola jar soon!
- Happy lunchboxes make for happy people, and mine was packed with nourishment this week thanks to this spicy pumpkin salad.
- This week the latest issue of Yum. Gluten Free Magazine went live – including three recipes from Thoroughly Nourished Life! I am so grateful to collaborate with the team at the magazine – and now I have faces to put to names!