Happy December and Gratitude Challenge Wrap-Up

December 02, 2019

You blinked, didnt you, and now its December. At least, that's how it felt to me. the end of a year always seems to accelerate out of control.

I just wrapped up the 2019 Gratitude Challenge, sponsored by Dani DiPirro of Positively Present. Even though I didn’t post every day, I did check the prompt and think about what it meant to me. I appreciate the chance to pause and reflect on what I’m most grateful for. Here are a few of my favorite prompts from the 2019 #Gratitude Challenge:



Day 1: Growth.
Growth can be uncomfortable, but the alternative is stagnation. Im grateful that each season and stage of life has its own opportunities for growth.


Day 6: Creativity.
I just came across a statement saying that vulnerability is the cradle of creativity and so many of the emotions and experiences we want from life. Though I hadn't thought about it quite like that, when we create something, whether it's a painting, a photo, a meal, a handcrafted quilt, etc., we are also offering a part of ourselves to the world. I'm grateful for the chance to grow more vulnerable and human with every offering, for the support of people who are gentle with me, and especially for all those who risk exposing their tender inner being when they share their creativity with us.

Day 18: Books
Today's #gratitude30 prompt is “books,” so get comfortable because I have a lot to say!

Reading is my favorite simple pleasure, and I'm grateful to everyone who has a hand in creating books, and to those who point me in the direction of good reads (especially @literarycat and @annebogel). I'm grateful for the contented hours spent trying to figure out whodunit (mystery is my favorite genre), getting to know a family much different from my own (Random Family, by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc), or typing 12 pages of notes on the topic of habits (Atomic Habits, James Clear). And I'm so, so grateful for the library system that provides me with so many of the books I read. This irresistible little edition of Slouching Toward Bethlehem from Picador Modern Classics came home with me from my most recent library visit.


Day 29: Dreams.
I'm grateful that so many of my dreams have come true—more than I ever “dreamed” possible. From travel (this shot was taken at Chateau de Beynac in France), to owning a horse, to working as a freelance writer. I'm especially grateful to my husband who has supported and encouraged my dreams for 30-plus years. And I'm grateful that I still have dreams left to chase!


Day 30: Self.
e e cummings wrote, “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are” and he was right! Though I'm grateful that I mostly have the means and freedom to become my true self, I'm still working on the courage part.

I hope your November held many things to be grateful for! I’d love to hear about your favorites in the comments below. 

See all my posts for the Gratitude Challenge on Instagram here.



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6 comments

  1. Kathy I was so delighted to see your post for November. Some of my things that I am grateful for this year are very similar to yours. Especially love the whodunit books...also for the beauty that is found in everyday's extraordinary moments. Hope your Christmas is off to a wonderful start dear friend. Hugs!

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    1. Hi, Debbie--So far, the holiday season has started off nicely. We even have some cooler weather! Hope you continue to enjoy the simple pleasures of the season. Thank you for stopping by!

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  2. Thank you for sharing your gratitudes...revealing parts of who you are...Glad you are enjoying some cool weather. We are enjoying COLD weather, Brrrr!

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    1. You're welcome, Rita. Hope you're still "enjoying" your cold weather, and that you're also enjoying the simple pleasures of the season!

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  3. Re read your post this morning, Kathy. Yes, grateful to be able to become who I really am. Travel is part of it, but more of a challenge than ever at this stage. I'm grateful for your blog and so many inspirational writings. Do you know Flow Magazine books? One I love is The Tiny Book of Tiny Pleasures. A 2nd one, Everything Grows With Love. Weather, it is now only mildly cold here, and it rained yesterday...Weather patterns have changed...

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    1. Hi, again, Rita--I'm familiar with Flow magazine, but not with their books. They sound delightful! It's actually pretty cold here right now, for Florida. I have to admit I'm loving it...

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