Joy in the Ordinary

Last week in all the craziness, I completely forgot to post my Gratituesday post! The fact of the matter is, I didn't really feel very grateful last week. We were in a rough patch with Ashleigh's adjustment to school, and just so much going on at work. At the end of the day, I felt both physically and emotionally spent.

I struggled to write even five things I was grateful for each day last week in my gratitude journal. By number three, I was hitting a blank wall. There were the obvious things - the health of myself and my family, our home. In Simple Abundance, Sarah Ban Breathnach says there are some days where you're just thankful the day is over. I was a bit worried because EVERY day seemed like that kind of day for me.

To help refocus and get myself back in the right mindset, I took some time over the weekend to write out my simple pleasures. Some simple pleasures are so ordinary and such apart of everyday life, that it's so easy to miss the joy they bring. The way Reedy smiles, it's truly infectious! He has the tiniest little gap between his two front teeth and his lip curls up in such a way. Just the thought brings a smile to my face. Seeing the lights of Dave's car as he pulls into the driveway at night. I have this big sigh of relief when I know Dave is finally home. That we're all home and all safe. And sometimes because I'm thankful my backup has arrived when the babies are a bit shall we say "challenging". Even a clean bathroom. Tell me I'm not the only one that stands and admires a shiny tub and freshly mopped floors? Even if they are circa 1970's harvest gold LOL!