Gratitude, Journaling and keeping happy

 

I recently read a book by Matt Haig titled 'Reasons to stay alive' and it was such a great reminder of celebrating the small wins in life. It can be so easy to overlook the small moments in life but as someone who has battled with depression since a teenager, I always like to try and remind myself of life's joys, which is why I have started daily gratitude lists.

The idea is that after doing daily gratitude, your mindset will gradually change to be naturally more positive and grateful for all of the little things that make us smile. If you have read Dame Deborah James's book,  'How to live when you could be dead' she gives us such an honest and funny account of her life and her battle with cancer. It was massively inspiring and I want to radiate more positive energy!

So after doing my gratitude lists for a week now I thought that I hadn't blogged for a long time and its something I enjoy so i am going to share with you a list of some of my favourite things that make me happy. Apologies if this is not your cup of tea, you might want to skip this blog post : ) but if you are still here reading, then I hope you enjoy it and maybe will be encouraged to write your own happy list.

Mark, he is my world. My Rosie girl. Village living. Making bread. Getting lots of sleep. Sunshine.       Easter. Pizza. Outdoor cinema. Thatched cottages. Dancing. Row boats. A fabulous hat. Haybales. 

Reading books. Cooking. Laying on the beach. The moon. Recipe books. Long soaks in a bath.

Sitting by a  fire. Facemask and pamper evenings. Listening to a thunderstorm. Daisies. Painting.

Fresh nails. Clean pyjamas. Watching the cricket. Hosting lunches. Miss Marple. Walks in the countryside. Being at home. Drinking tea. Farm shops. Loud music walks. Garden centres. Sunsets. 

 Iced tea. Visiting gardens in bloom. Crafting. Baking. Photographs. Iced coffee. Being alone. 

Whodunnit murder mystery movies. Wild swimming. Candles. Laying the table. Pasta. Fireworks night.

Watching my favourite films. Summertime. October. Being Cosy. Being creative. Taking photos.

Buttery potatoes. Cowparsley. Cheeseburgers. Bluebells.

Steam trains. Vineyards. Playing tennis. Boating. Stargazing. Pilates. Peonies. Horse riding. Cycling.

Belly laughing with friends. Kitchen disco's. Being with people who let me be me.

Jilly Cooper books. Motown music. Flower picking.

A new walking route. Sex. Chocolate muffins. Working out with weights.  

Staycations. Trips to Europe. Going to the butchers. Aperol spritz.

Country pubs. Wildflower meadows. Lazy mornings in bed. Crumpets.

Christmas carols. Teapots. Antique shops. 

Kayaking. Sunflowers. Blankets. Sandy toes.

The shower after a day at the beach. Growing your own plants/flowers. Old English Churches.

So there you go! This isn't what I write each day but this is a list of what makes me truly happy in life. If you had asked me in my 20's I probably would have said partying and buying clothes, but this wasn't real nor was I very happy. I feel like who I am now, I truly know and I work hard to create a life that is 100% what I want to do, not what I think society or other people expect or want from me to do if that makes sense?!

Thanks for reading!