This year, I told myself I would be grateful for the little things. It's easy to say, but harder to actively do. As silly as it sounds, Instagram has helped me a lot. I decided I would take on the #100happydays Challenge and start posting everyday. Just this small act of reflection helped remind me to give thanks and that, in turn, really reduced my stress. Well, I finished the #100happydays Challenge and, although there were certainly a lot of not-so-happy things that occured, it was amazing how much those few minutes I set aside each day could change my outlook.
That's why I really appreciate today's Get Messy prompt: Gratitude. The end of the year is always a tough time for me because there are so many expectations for the Holidays and I'm always trying to wrap things up before the end of the quarter. So, I love the idea of justing being present and in the moment, rather than constantly thinking about what needs to get done, or what I'm behind on.
So, yes. Today, I'm thankful for the little things. Like a cup of tea. The ritual of steeping the leaves and sitting still for a few moments of quiet contemplation. In the next couple of months, when it becomes harder and harder for me to unplug, I hope I remember to just stop. I want my journal pages in November to focus on this concept too, but for now, here is my last layout for October:
I used a photo that I shot recently of my Sunday merienda. One of my most cherished rituals is cooking with my grandmother via FaceTime. On that day, she had just taught me how to make sweet sticky rice. I'm so happy I was able to include it my journal and I think it works well with the rest of my pages for this month, especially when I think back to my first post about "making room for good things":
Get Messy is an art journal challenge where a gang of crafty vixens are sharing art journal pages we have created to practise our skills and push past our creative limits with hopes to inspire. We share our pages without restraint every week, and once a month we create around a prompt. Go check out these crazy talented ladies who are creating pages who each have a unique perspective and style. We will be sharing our work around social media so follow the hashtag #getmessyartjournal.