August 14, 2024

I am thankful for…

1. Summer trips to forests with people who I love to places that bring me joy. Rocks, lichen, moss, ferns, creeks, trees, sand, dirt - I’ll take it.

2. Work trips to new places. I’ve truly enjoyed the opportunity to travel to teach. As someone who likes seeing new places, I’ve always felt my work travel is a gift. While it is getting harder as my little ages, I still value opportunity to work, think, reflect, and experience new places on my own. Watching the sunset by myself in Cody, Wyoming is a moment I’d like to remember because I’m grateful to have had it.

3. Learning that going to bed early is the new sleeping in. I used to sleep in. That’s not really possible for a few more years (and as I age), so going to bed early is what must be done. It’s something I’ve struggled with my whole life. When I do finally find a way to do it, I always thank myself the next day… or even 4 days later. Sleep is life.

If you’re new here

I decided to challenge myself to publish my personal writing more, starting January 2024. From pausing to deliberately reflect to getting more disciplined about creating for myself, I jumped into this goal. For a little more on this journey, check out my first public Gratitude Journal entry.