Gratitude for Fruit

She immediately said I am grateful for everything! Followed by, I'm grateful for fruit. I love fruit.

Today marked 154 days of walking. I'd been meaning to walk all day, but I've been so exhausted! After a glorious nap, I ventured out with my 4-year-old daughter. Instead of a morning walk, we went on an evening one. As Libby says, "morning walk is a mindset." My daughter's energy level was through the roof, and we both needed some fresh air. The minute we hit the door, she sprinted, screaming "YAY!" at the top of her lungs. I took a breath in and was glad to be outside. It was so nice to see Ila collecting pinecones until her pockets burst. Sticks dangled from her little fingers until her hands couldn't hold anymore. My children love being outside. As we walked, I thought about how I couldn't wait for the warmth. This cold weather has been making me feel a little sad—I am ready for Spring.

From 2/11's walk.

I looked at Ila and asked her what she was grateful for. She immediately said I am grateful for everything! Followed by, I'm grateful for fruit. I love fruit. Conversations with toddlers are so honest and to the point. I told her, me too. Then that got me thinking about how grateful I am for juicing again. It's been so fun to play in the kitchen with the fruits and vegetables we have. Testing out new flavors allows me moments of play and curiosity. It's the small moments that have been meaning the most to me lately.

My pre-schooler and I continued to have a great conversation on our walk. One that made me laugh and smile. We raced, we jumped, we skipped, and I pretended that my back was broken whenever she stepped on a crack. Her hysterical laughter was wonderful and contagious to the folks out walking their dogs. Motherhood has been feeling super hard these days, but our time today, one-on-one, was easeful and light. She's truly remarkable. And a trooper because we walked a whole mile without one complaint. I forget, often, what it's like to be fully present and tuned in. When life gets busy and time flies by us, it can be so difficult to bring ourselves back to the moment. Watching my daughter, listening to her stories, and playing made my walk a lot of fun. I usually like to walk alone, but it was nice to have company today.

From 2/12s walk.

I almost didn't walk today. I didn't want to. My tiredness almost caught me slipping. As always, I'm glad I went. I'm happy I stuck with my streak and had company this time around. Sharing a very micro-moment of gratitude with my kid over our love for fruit was the sweetness I needed today. This week, I am excited about the fruit juice blends I'll make and the warmer weather we're expected to get tomorrow. As I continue to walk and find groundedness in the practice, I realize just how little I need to be and feel alive in my life.

I am grateful for chilly walks with my middle girl.

I am grateful for her hand reaching for mine to keep warm.

I am grateful for our shared love of fruit.

I am grateful for belly laughs, silly games, and time to be a kid again.

From 2/14's walk.

Community Question: What micro moments of gratitude are blessing you lately?

Thank you so much for reading Gratitude Weekly. If you like this newsletter, please subscribe here and share it with a friend.