As well as loving writing this blog I also love reading other blogs (if you do too then add me on Bloglovin’ – shameless plug, I know), and one of my fave style of blog posts are quite simple. Give me a list of the things that has made the blogger happy and I’m hooked. I get caught up in how the simple, small and often everyday moments are given a spotlight, reminding me that is life is made up of all these wonderful but usually overlooked little things.
It could be anything from the smell of freshly cut grass, having a cuddle with someone you love, turning your phone off and picking up a blooming great book, or finally doing that job that’s been lurking around for what feels like forever.
But you don’t need to be a blogger to take notice of these little things. This week’s #howtobehappier tip is to keep a gratitude diary, whether that’s online or old school with a cute notepad (this one is almost too gorgeous to write in, almost!) to scribble down those moments that may otherwise pass you by. List the things you often take for granted, reasons why you’re cheerful and what or who has made you smile. Reading these notes back when you may be having a not so good day will be a brilliant boost and reality check.
Having a gratitude diary also pushes you to add things to the list to make other people smile too. Think of ways you can treat family, friends or even strangers, besides material things, and see how great you feel afterwards. It could be as simple as handwriting a letter (or postcard!) rather than relying on email, give heartfelt compliments to the next 5 people you meet, or saying thank you when you get brilliant service somewhere.
I have a notebook that I keep next to my bed so just before I doze off I try and write down what has made my day and what I am thankful for. It makes me count my blessings even when I may be having a ‘bad’ day.
So here are mine for the past week:
Cuddles with Louis - Having him in the house makes getting out of bed that little bit easier as I want to have a quick cuddle and playtime before I go to work. I just can’t get enough of watching him grow and change.
Treated to a cupcake – Pastries, croissants and flans are big news in France. But my aunty managed to surprised me with a strawberry cupcake from a new shop that’s just opened up near us, it was SO nice to have a taste of home and eat a cake that didn’t flake everywhere.
BBQ’s are back! – Who doesn’t love to eat outdoors? Watching the sun go to sleep, sharing glasses of wine, munching on chargrilled burgers and gossiping long into the star scattered night? I managed to get the BBQ out twice in the last week! That smell though.
Parlez Française – I don’t practice my French as often as I should, so I was shocked but very pleased when at my French man’s family party last weekend lots of people told me how much I had improved since I saw them last. Shows how fast you can pick a language up when immersed in the country. Just wish I could keep my Spanish up too!
Hearing From An Old Friend – Living in another country does mean keeping in touch with friends is that lil bit harder. But harder doesn’t mean impossible. So I was chuffed to find out my backpacking gal pal Rach is planning a trip over to see me soon, cue lots of wine drinking, croissant eating and reminiscing!
Will you be keeping a gratitude diary? What’s made your list over the past week?
