January Recap ... A Gratitude Post

 

These days seem to speed by so fast.

So this month I decided to take the time 

to reflect on all of the good in my month.

Intentional Gratitude

has been on the top of my list this year.

This  month begins my third year of making

Gratitude Lists

I can't tell you how 

Life Changing

my lists have been to me.

As much as I love my lists

they have felt like  a bit task

Something on my list to do

because I have been doing them so long.

So I  know I need  to go deeper

and 

really feel my 

Gratitude.

To truly take the time

 to fill up my heart

with Gratitude.

In  a sort of meditative way.

Focusing on

the joy and beauty in my days.

Pressing into my heart

even all of the micro moments of wonder and joy.

Holding it there long enough to make it a memory.

I know at this time in my life

I am closer to the exit

then the entrance of life.

I have spent so much of my life

distracted by  the business 

of to do lists

in my attempt

to prove worthiness to myself 

that sometimes 

I fear I may have missed so much magic along the way.

So now I am on the look out for all of the magic in life!

The big moments and the small!

I am not saying 

that by any means do I not have goals and aspirations 

I absolutely do.

But I want to find the balance 

of doing

and 

just being.

Being truly present in the good  moments

whatever they are.

Taking the time to

Savor and enjoy.

No more living in the 

someday

everything will be in its  place.

No longer trying to prove my worth to myself

through what I accomplish.

Instead making the decision

to see myself with loving eyes

and 

knowing the safety and relief

that comes with that simple

mindset change.

Which gives me so much more opportunity

to love on others!

Speaking of others

our grandson turned one this month!

And his sweet, creative and talented momma

did the cutest party 

to celebrate!

Talk about adorable life moments!!

I am forever grateful to live where we do.

We have so many opportunities

to get out in nature everyday!

Whether hiking trails, walking cute towns

or 

kayaking in the ocean

getting out in nature always 

renews my soul!

I have always worked out

but now at approaching 64 in a couple of months

( I only mention the number

because I am trying to get used to it! )

it is So Much more important!

Movement seems to be one of the keys

to longevity and happiness

in this phase of life

so I am all in

when it come to actively pursuing 

physical fitness and good nutrition!

One of my favorite days is January

is always celebrating

 my darling daughter Ellis's Birthday!

This year we got to go shopping and lunch

just the two of us!

I definitely savored every moment!

We had lunch at the stunning

Javier's in La Jolla

Afterwards the four of us 

had dinner at a new spot in La Jolla!

Marisi

a charming Italian restaurant

in a historic building with a beautiful patio

for the most lovely alfresco dining!

I couldn't be prouder of 

the wonderful young woman she has become.

The gratitude and love I have for my girl

is beyond measure!

These two fill my heart to be sure.

It's such a wonderful feeling 

as a parent 

to see your children

truly thrive all on their own!

Life Moments that I cherish every single day!

Speaking of life moments

Jeff and I had the honor of attending

the wedding of one of my dear friend's daughter!

We stayed the night in the new

Inn at the Mission 

in San Juan Capistrano

and

I was so impressed with our stay!

The occasion was a perfect opportunity

to dress up

(which you know I love)

I wore my 

beautiful Monique Le Huillier lace dress

with my fabulous new coat

which was an amazing vintage find last month

at the mazing 

Current Affair 

vintage show in Los Angeles.

Their next show is May 13th and 14th

and

it's definitely in my calendar to attend!

It really is a collection fo the best of the best

when it comes to fabulous vintage!

The Inn at the Mission

which is part of Marriott's

Autograph Collection

really speaks to the Spanish history of the area

as well as 

maximizing the Southern California weather opportunities!

I finished my outfit with my 

Pearl Headband designs.

I love how the pearls play so nicely 

with the French black lace and coat textures!

The wedding was so beautiful!

I was moved to tears during the entire procession in!

To see families come together

all the generations

and

the uniting to two people in love

and 

the promises of a new life together 

had me crying more than I could have ever  expected!

Thank goodness my wonderful husband had 

a silk pocket square that he shared with true chivalry!

The privilege to celebrate

Life Moments

with friends

you've literally been together since our kids were in kindergarten

filled my heart to the brim with

Gratitude!

So much of my month

has been about  slowing down daily

to really assimilate 

all the good in my life.

From the simple morning rituals of

Coffee and my Gratitude lists

To the privilege and opportunity to

Celebrate Life Moments

with 

family and friends ...

To getting out each day in nature making

  Self Care

in the form of 

physical activity and heathy nutrition

a priority.

I truly 

believe the quickest way 

to improve our life

is to 

Be Grateful 

for everything we have

right now

and that

We get more of what we think of most.

Trust me 

I have spent so much time on the other side.

The practice of

Intentional Gratitude

can definitely be 

life changing!

What are you grateful for this month? 

I'd love to hear!

As always my friends

I wish you love and joy

as you style your life