Inspired by m.a.d.woman and her Grateful in April initiative, I’m sharing some of the things that make me thankful.
This April I am grateful for…
Long time friends – Those people who really do wish the very best for you. The ones you can see after a long absence, and instantly find a groove like you’ve never been apart. The people you never tire of talking to. The ones who make your soul smile. The ones who make you want to be a better you. The ones who remind you who you really are, what really matters, and that everything will be ok. I ran away with my longest time friend for an entire week and it was bliss. Read my Reset post for more on this.
Being missed – I returned from my week away to my hubby and both boys literally waiting on the doorstep, pink roses in hand. My one year old jumped into my cab repeating “ello mummy” over and over in his heart-melting toddler tone. And my four year old’s bedtime cuddles have been a little bit tighter, and his manners just a little bit better, ever since I returned.
New babes – I was invited to photograph a gorgeous four week old bub named Roy. The pride on his new daddy’s face translated beautifully in camera. And this month I met and cuddled the the newest addition to my extended family, baby Lily Skye. She’s the first girl born after seven boys in this tribe so it was fun purchasing pink pressies at long last.
Kiwi politicians – Not something previously likely to make my grateful list, or even my radar, but this month our NZ neighbours truly inspired with their marriage equality move. And the spontaneous singing that followed made me well up. Come on Aussies, catch up!
SNAGs – My gorgeous four year old son is a Sensitive New Aged Guy. He instinctively stroked my hair and rubbed my back while I threw up my nasty virus into a bucket. Meanwhile, my hubby did absolutely everything else at home until I recovered.
Dave – My hubby and I spent three out of four weeks in different states this month. And never do I appreciate him more than when he’s not here. House is humming happily again now that he’s home.
Baking – Making and decorating cupcakes with my boys for no reason other than to pass the time. And baking spiced apple cake because nothing smells more like ‘welcome home hubby’ than fresh cake cooling. The weather has turned along with the leaves, and so I’ve dusted off my slow cooker too. While I type, gorgeous corned beef with sticky plum and balsamic glaze is my work in progress.
Healthy thieves – My kids keep stealing carrots from the fridge vegie crisper and justifying it by saying that they are rabbits. Then they hop around the house singing Hop, Hippity, Hop.
Miracles – This month I ditched a twenty year addiction to Diet Coke. And, as if that was not enough, I reversed a two year (ok, decade long) trend of creeping weight gain. I fully expect to see pigs flying by or hell freezing over any moment now.
A gorgeous dress – The latest addition to my collection is a gorgeous, cherry colored, dance-worthy dress from Queenslander Leina Broughton. It’s so nice to find beautifully cut, feminine, Australian made creations. And it came with outstanding online customer service too.
Sausage sizzle at the supermarket – The smell alone was awesome, but feeding the kids lunch, supporting a good cause, and not having anything to clean up afterwards made my Saturday morning.
Following my bliss – Having time to do things, just because I want to. This month I did a photography walk that took in the sunset from Williamstown and I learned some new tricks to try. And I took my one year old to his first dance class, which he quite literally threw himself into. It’s the most fun hour I spend with him all week.
Quality entertainment – this month I loved the adorable Australian mid-career crisis movie Any Questions for Ben and the inspiring true story of unlikely friendship The Intouchables. Add them to your must see list.
Mentors – My best mentors have always been the ones who push me into slightly uncomfortable but richly rewarding growth. This week I got an email from my most recent ex-boss and she validated my leap of faith into non-corporate life and instructed me to keep creating. It was a beautifully timed gesture of support which made me smile.
Most of all, I am deeply grateful for my recent shift in focus from making a living to making a life. For all these blessings and more, I am so very grateful this April.
Tell me, what is it that you are grateful for today?
the “being missed” is real, real, real sweet and totally adorable. today i am thankful for my sister’s closet, the rakes i bought to clean my front yard, the friends i got to see today, being able to sleep in on my day off from work, the food network channel, and simply being alive. =)
Gotta love a stylish sibling with a wardrobe she’ll share! Enjoy your raking and napping. Thanks for commenting.
Jade I just love reading your blogs. This one is my favorite so far! Xxoo
Thanks Amy for letting me know 🙂
You’re all heart and creative talent Wisely! Your writing speaks with such honesty … It’s a powerful gift my friend. Keep giving x
You are so kind Helen. Really do appreciate your support. Thanks!
I am so excited by your quitting Diet Coke! What an accomplishment! Well done! In April I was grateful for the most amazing group of friends (including one amazing wordsmith!) who cooked and baked for us whilst unexpectedly spending a few days in hospital with our youngest. We went just over two weeks without having to cook dinner!
Claire, there is nothing quite like a new bub to bring out the very best in everyone around you. So glad he’s feeling better now. Looking forward to cuddles.
Love reading your blog Jade. It’s a nice way to start my evening
X
Thanks Janelle. Hope you had a lovely evening!
I am grateful to be part of your extended family you beautiful girl! XXXX And I too am grateful to be able to read about your life and your boys! xxx
Aw, thanks so much for the gorgeous comment Shay. Ditto. I often feel like you and I are living quite parallel lives. All I need is one more boy in my brood to complete the mirror image 😉
i LOVE reading your writing jade – it just is so YOU – warm and interesting and gorgeous! you made me smile! i am grateful for autumn leaves. the gorgeous colours and the squeals of delight as my little ones run through them, dance a crunchy dance on them, throw them at each other and toss them in the air!
Thanks for sharing Nat. The autumn leaves have me all inspired to get out there with kids and camera too. Absolute best time of year for photos! Thanks for sharing.
Aww such a sweet post!
I see that you are new to blogging and that Big Hearted Business has shaped a period of deep reflection for you too. I will look forward in sharing your journey with you.
Hi Melissa. Yes, BHB2013 was an amazing experience so perfectly timed for me. Barely a day has gone by since where I have not pondered a pearl of wisdom I collected at that event. Was a privilege to be part of it. And I am loving following what everyone has been doing since. So inspiring! Thanks for touching base.
Jade, congratulations on your beautiful words, they truly inspire reflection and make me stop and think of the little things. Love to you and your family. Xx
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