::{A monthly list of gratitude. A time to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful.}:: 

Lately I’ve felt grateful for: 

…Watching the green shoots in our yard grow taller, and then seeing the daffodils in bloom at last. (The last few days we woke up to some snow in our yard and it felt strange seeing flowers and snow at the same time! But the flowers tell me that spring is here.)
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…Tea with nettles, peppermint, elderberries, and ginger. I love that combination.
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…The quality time that road trips bring. Our family got lots of that during our drives to California and Portland. Unexpected conversations… new scenery… knitting time (for me, whenever Jeff was driving)… and silly songs (when the hours get long and brains get tired, silly songs are inevitable.)
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…Some days with such beautiful weather that we ate breakfast outside for the first time this year, and Jeff mowed the yard for the first time too.
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…Appreciating things more when you go without them. We were without Caller ID for maybe less than a week, but every time I answered and a telemarketer was on the other line it drove me crazy. I feel a lot more thankful for our Caller ID now!
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…The way that knitting, even a few stitches, soothes me instantly. I’m serious when I say that knitting is such amazing stress relief! (My mom will jokingly remind me I said that the next time I get stuck in a difficult part of a pattern. Ha!)
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…Someone’s word of advice: to have the very first thing you do when you wake up in the morning, before you even open your eyes, be simply to smile. I love that, and though I have yet to make it a habit, I can see how it would start your day in the best way.
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…Going outside in the yard one night with my family and looking at the stars. (It always amazes me how very many stars come out when you let your eyes adjust for awhile.) We stayed up way past bedtime and it was so fun. Stargazing is something that we don’t do often enough.
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…Home, safe and sound, and warm and cozy, after driving through a wild, windy rain storm with hail. A fire was so welcome, as were jammies, and a funny movie.

(You can read more about the inspiration for The Gratitude Tribe here.) Like to Join Us? Share what you’re feeling grateful for (whether a single thing or many) in the comments, leave your link in the comments, or join anytime on Instagram with the tag #thegratitudetribe. Gratitude is good for the soul! Thanks for joining!
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