As wonderful as August was, we closed the month with heavy hearts. My parents live just outside of Houston, so while they and their house are safe (praise God), Hurricane Harvey hit so close to home. Please continue to pray fervently for those affected, and to donate if you’re able (here are links to Catholic Charities, Texas Diaper Bank, Houston Flood Relief Fund, and Houston Food Bank).
The highlight of August, on a happier note, was a trip we took to my dad’s hometown in Wisconsin to visit my Grandma. We hadn’t seen her since our wedding, and the chance to spend quality time with her and introduce her to Charlie was so special! My parents actually joined us up north for a long weekend (they were there during the worst of the hurricane), and even though it was hard for all of us to see and know what was going on back home, I do think it reminded us to hug each other a little tighter. This fall, I want to get after grateful in a big way…I’m grateful for our health and safety, for Charlie’s first year of life (his first birthday is on the 22nd!), for the added depth and sweetness parenthood has brought to our marriage, for the sweet online friends I get to connect with through blogging, and so much more. I’ve never kept a gratitude journal before, but as you’ll see below, it’s a goal I hope to carry out for the rest of this year! If you’ve kept one before (or even if you haven’t), I’d love to hear any tips for cultivating gratitude daily.
August Goals
1. Train for and run the Run for Life 5K
2. “Style,” photograph, and blog our home tour (see it here!)
3. Go on a fun date night
4. Work hard on a secret-for-now project
5. Start planning Charlie’s first birthday party
6. Enjoy time in Wisconsin with my grandma and parents
September Goals
1. Start a daily gratitude journal
2. Celebrate Charlie’s first birthday with family and friends!
3. Finish filling out the first year of Charlie’s baby book
4. Prepare to launch aforementioned project in early October :)
5. Run twice a week
6. Splurge on a fancy date to celebrate our first year of parenthood
7. Read two books
I’m praying for your parents and all those in Houston. I also absolutely love that you’re splurging on a date night to celebrate the incredible accomplishment of one year of parenting. Happy early birthday to Charlie! You did it, mama.
It has been a must on my list pretty much since Charlie was born, haha :) Always so grateful for your encouragement, friend!
I love, love, love cultivating gratitude and gratitude journals, and I think I could talk about those topics for days :) I have two blog posts on those subjects, along with my favorite gratitude journal (https://stephseekingjoy.com/2013/11/06/cultivate-gratitude/ + https://stephseekingjoy.com/2015/04/06/gratitude-journals/), if you want to see! Spending just a few minutes a day reflecting on ALL that you’re thankful for can truly transform your life and your outlook/perspective/attitude!!
And congrats on (almost!) a year of parenthood!
Thank you so much, Stephanie! I can’t wait to check out your posts. I know this is something you’re really passionate about, and I’m excited to learn from you!
I can’t believe Charlie is turning one!!! And I’m excited for your new project! :)
It’s so surreal! And thank you–I’m excited to share!
I’ve been using the Write the Word Cultivate Gratitude journal and loving it! :)
I seriously considered temporarily swapping my Cultivate Renewal for Cultivate Gratitude! I think it’ll be the next one I do!
I love the idea to start a gratitude journal in the fall – it seems to be a wonderful prequel to the Christmas season which I also believe is meant to remind us to be grateful for not only the gift of Jesus but also everything the Lord has blessed us with. I’ve never been good at sticking to a journal but I have done a gratitude journal before and felt it was best to write down a couple of things I was grateful for right before going to sleep. Always made me fall asleep with a happy and grateful heart :)
One of my goals for September is also to read to books. One will be The Cultivate Book but I have yet to decide on the second one. May I ask which books you plan on reading this month?
Totally agree, Kristina–I think it will be especially meaningful leading up to Advent! I love the idea of writing things down before bed, and will definitely give that a try.
I loved Cultivate and hope you do too! This month, I’m almost done re-reading Grace Not Perfection, and then plan to read Chasing Slow…haven’t decided on another book yet though! I did just read Cork Dork and thought it was fascinating, if you enjoy memoirs and are interested in wine :)
Love the gratitude journal idea. The events of the past week me really reflecting on all that I have and what’s really important. ❤️ Might borrow that idea :)
Totally agree–I feel like I need it right now!
So many exciting milestones in September! Yay Charlie!
Hope we get to see you!!
I have been working on a gratitude journal as well and my biggest piece of encouragement is to leave it somewhere where you will see it and it is easy to jot things down! I try to write at least one gratitude a day before bed, and I have started leaving my gratitude journal open on my dresser. I have found I am FAR more likely to write in it that way!
That is great advice, Abigail–thanks!!