Before I started writing these posts, I never really sat down and thought, purposefully, about the good things going on in my life. I really like doing it, though – sitting down and reflecting on everything going on, and highlighting the many good things that have happened, big or small. And with that being said, here’s my gratitude list for the month.

Some Time at Home

After these last few trips, I have been very much looking forward to some time at home doing nothing, and it has not disappointed! I love to travel, but I’ve shared before about how travel can also be stressful and exhausting for me – there is just a lot involved. So it’s been really nice to know that I have a few weekends with zero plans, and just time to relax and read and watch TV.

Summer Sticking Around

I’ve mentioned a few times (… at least) how not ready I am for summer to end. And we’ve been lucky enough to have some days recently that have made it feel like we’re still solidly in the middle of summer (if I block out the loud sounds of the cicadas in the backyard). I’ve been able to spend a lot of my chill time at home out on the patio, and it just makes me happy.

Good Books

I always love reading, but I’ve read a few books recently that sucked me in so completely that I did not want to put them down… and ended up finishing them in a day or two. There’s just something so uniquely satisfying about being so engrossed by a book that you don’t want to put it down, and don’t want to do anything else at all but just keep reading!

A Little Retail Therapy

I don’t know if this is the best thing to admit or not, but I’ve been engaging in some low-key retail therapy recently, and honestly it does bring me joy. Sometimes it’s little things – the candlesticks I bought for my Cedar Point candles, the little Folklore replica cabin – that bring the most joy, and bring back the memories associated with the items, too. And sometimes it’s just the joy of a new cozy sweater! I’m grateful for joy in all the forms.