Weekly Gratitude #55 – 3 words

Strengthen. Nurture. Appreciate.

I still have not written my resolutions.

But I have these three words.

As 2012 drew to a close, I saw that one of my favorite blogs was in search of contributors to add to its team. And so I took a deep breath and sent Elena Sonnino my best. And then I jumped for joy when she responded and officially added me to the team of amazing writers at Just.Be.Enough.

It wasn’t until I sat down to fill out her form that I realized how closely Just.Be.Enough and Raising Humans are related. The growing and the accepting and the realizations we don’t need to be perfect, we need to be ourselves… Just.Be.Enough is so how I want to approach my life and completely the spirit I want to instill in my children. I am so honored to be joining these amazing women and doing my part to inspire, empower, and celebrate.

This year, Elena has asked each contributor to chose three words. These words will shape our perspectives and journeys for 2013.

Choosing a word is new to me. Though I love my resolutions, I hadn’t considered choosing just one word until the idea took the internets by storm last year. I didn’t chose a word last year, but by about June I admitted that the word change chose me. This year, three words came to me naturally and easily. And I know they simply and beautifully sum up the resolutions I will eventually write.

Because they apply to all aspects of my life.

Strengthen. Nurture. Appreciate. Myself. My relationships. My children. My passions. My life. My blessings.

I could go on and on. And I will. Take some time to check in on me and my fellow contributors at Just.Be.Enough this year and see how three words can shape a year.

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This week, I am thankful for…

… my husband who quietly and calmly supports me. together, we always find the right answer.

… my girl who, when I slow down to pay attention, still fills my world with magic.

… my boy. I am choosing to believe he didn’t nap much at all this week because he knows these days of just me and him are approaching their end.

… meal planning. I love January when we’re all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and eager to plan our meals.

… routine. vacation is fun. routine is essential.

… quiet. having everyone home is fun. having quiet space for my heart and mind to play is essential.

… hours of cuddling and rocking.

~~~~~

This year, I have decided to do a photo-365 project. Because, well, it strengthens my photography skills, nurtures a long-time passion of mine, and helps me appreciate the small moments that I so often pass right by. (see – I knew those three words were the right ones for 2013). Since one of the main reasons for the project is to help me appreciate, it seems only fitting to share them here. I may not share every photo every week but at least a handful of each week’s photos will enjoy a moment in the sun on Friday. Here’s a sample of this week.

Happy weekend, all. What are you grateful for this week?