I find myself saying this a lot and it’s something I definitely know about myself; I love the simple things in life. I remember M always being surprised by how some of the simplest things could make me happy, make my entire day. To me, life is all about the simple things. You can’t have big grandeur gestures all the time and if you live waiting only for those types of moments to find happiness, you will surely be sad and disappointed.
It has also occurred to me that lately, I have been participating in many “sponsored” posts with less organic material. I decided this is not the route I wish to take and will begin making a sincere effort to stay within my concept for this blog. That being said, I would like to continue participating in Erika’s weekly “GRAD-itude” post because I think it’s something we all need more of in life. We need to be thankful for what we have and focus less on what we do not have. We need to see the light during the dark. We need to try to be positive even when it is difficult. Since my post last week, (see here) I have truly made an effort to practice this line of thinking and I feel it helps both me and M. There is a great deal of stress in our lives right now with so much change and uncertainty. I know I am a strong woman and I can take on the role of instilling positivity in our home. I know some days will be darker, but I aspire to be less dim with more shine.
Every week I will recap with five simple things I loved about the previous week. Sometimes there will be pictures, sometimes just words, but they will always be meaningful to me and this journey in my life. Here we go!
1. Last Saturday I had the most adorable moment where Monster tried blowing raspberries on my stomach. It was so cute and funny, M and I laughed until we were in tears.
2. This past Sunday, we finally received some “new to us” furniture for our living room. It has made such a difference in making this apartment feel more like home.
3. Last week M started a new job that he so far seems to genuinely enjoy. Anything that makes him smile, will always be on this list.
4. Our landlady brought us more fresh from the garden zucchini and cucumbers. I love fresh produce and I love their kindness even more. (I even wrote about that here.)
5. I had the chance to go to the grocery store by myself once last week. It was lovely. Moms out there know how much that can feel like a mini vacation!
And there you have it, nothing big and fancy, but they all made a difference in my life. What are some of the things you loved about your last week? I’d love to hear them!
I related to this SO much!!! I’m so glad you’re a part of this project, Deanna, and I love your 5 simple things! Gratitude is simple! I think highlighting those moments is so perfect! And I totally understand how it can be so difficult to be grateful in times of uncertainty or drama or WHATEVER, but I think that’s when we need it most — at least, that’s what I’m learning. :))) Thanks for sharing this!
I’m really glad you could relate and I hope you know what an inspiration you are to so many of us! I hope those who read my “thankful” posts get a small fraction of what I get from reading yours! Wait….I hope they just pop on over, read yours and join us!
I love this! I’ve looked at the “sponsored” posts like you mentioned, but also decided I wanted to stick to the concept of my blog. I do love this thread though about gratitude - sometimes it can be so difficult to appreciate all that is good when all that is bad seems to loom so much larger. Good on you for taking the initiative to shift your perspective and bring more positivity to life!!
Yes, I just think too many sponsored type posts is taking away from my own inspiration and I’m writing for others. I’m definitely not discouraging it! I just don’t think it’s for me. But I love positive energy and do feel this goes with my blog.
I love the fancy new button of yours I’m sporting on my sidebar now!
Haha thanks! Yours is looking quite snazzy on my sidebar as well!
Love this! I’m a fan of the simple things in life, too. Seeing a cute puppy being all adorable can make my entire day, as can being brought a cup of tea in bed.
Oh tea in bed…..that sounds lovely! That needs to go along with my lazy sunday wish! Thanks for sharing!
Oh and I’m loving your new gravatar photo!
Thanks! It was taken at my godson’s christening… I actually had to crop it to death because I’m holding him in the original and I didn’t want to put pictures of other people’s babies up!
I love your list and how you’ve concentrated on the simple things, because it definitely is being able to appreciate the little things that make it all worth it. I hope M continues to enjoy his new job!
Thank you! And thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment! The simple things really are great….you just have to notice them.
Sounds like you are finding your blogging balance, which is great!
Also, that’s so kind of your landlady! Mine is like that too but its kindness I’ve only experienced in Germany so far - in England you are lucky to know their first name!
Ohhh, I’m finding my balance?! Super!
Really? That’s how it always was for me in the states too and I really enjoy the friendliness here!
My friend carrying half of my shit to my new apartment. You can’t beat that! Well, he could have carried it all I guess, but that would have made me a wimp
Really nice idea btw!
Lol! Did you move or just remembering?
Thanks!
I’ve just moved. It was a nightmare! There will be a post on it some day when I’ve stopped working 16 hour days!
The simple things are sometimes the best things in life! (I love that picture quote as well! Would love something like that in my house). Those five simple things you listed seem very nice
Zauni | The Kind Side
Thank you! Glad you stopped by and enjoyed the post!
I’ve always loved living in Germany because the little things seem to be easier to notice. Maybe it’s just being an expat and more aware of people reaching out or making it easier to notice different things, but it’s definitely comforting!
I agree and think it is both! Germans live a simple life so it is part of this culture, but I also think as expats we obviously notice things that would normally go unnoticed.
I love this idea! It really is important to think about the simple things that make you happy instead of always waiting for the grand things. I also really love fresh cucumbers straight from the garden. They are so delicious!
It definitely is! Oh don’t they taste so much better fresh from the garden?! I love cucumbers anyways but fresh is so good! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I’m definitely at the point in my life where I truly see the value of simplifying. I’m dreaming of the day I can downsize! In general little things make me happy…a hug from my kids, purring cats, a dog that runs to greet you.
That’s one of the things I love about living in Germany is the simplicity of life. And a hug from my little boy could make a bad day into a good one! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Pingback: Five Simple Things #2 | From Casinos To Castles