I am challenging myself to be more grateful. I am hoping this exercise will re-train my brain to be more positive and hopeful. This last year was the hardest year of my life so far. It takes every bit of will I have in me not to dwell on the negative impact the events of the last year has had on me.

I was given a gratitude journal a few years back but I wasn't consistent with it. The one thing in life that I can always count on to bring me joy is photography. I am challenging myself to take one picture every day for the next year of something I am thankful for. I am going to post a weekly recap here to hold myself accountable. I guess this is my own version of a 365 project but I am hoping it will help me focus on the little things that bring bits of sunshine to my life and help me become a happier and more positive person.

My goal is to literally stop and smell the flowers. Maybe I will start to see things through rose colored glasses. I have always been a glass half empty person and I don't want to be that anymore. Today is Thanksgiving. It is cliche but it is a reminder to actually stop and think about what you should be thankful for.

My plan was to have our new home unpacked, decorated, painted and ready for a house full of friends and family for Thanksgiving. The reality is it is not even half painted. Don't even look in my garage! Boxes of pictures, frames and TV's are still not hung and strewn about. The shed is up but not painted. Trees are trimmed but lay about the yard in piles. Kayaks are still on the rack on the trailer!

But......

I am thankful that I will have friends and family to fill my new house and who won't judge me for not having it done in time.

Happy Thanksgiving