Yesterday was Valentine’s Day and with this I thought that I would just think of all things that make me feel joyful, happy and deeply appreciative.   

This years Valentine’s Day, for me, was such an ordinary day and this  was much because I am based in the Somerset countryside and not really paying attention to all the ‘chatter’ out there in the world.   My husband is in South Africa and the children are flying from the nest!  It was easy to let the day just pass by.  I did decide, however to reorientate it to a day of proactively noticing all that I am so grateful, appreciative and happy about.  There are so many things that really do fill up my heart, many of them very small things too.  I needed to remind myself of all that is good and true and delightful and wonderful.   Like for all of us, this produces a heart full of love!  

This is not to say that these feelings of joy and love  are not punctuated with frustration, overwhelm, anger (at times and about certain things), resentment (of my own making!) and fear.  But in redirecting myself away from this downward spiral, I can begin to see new possibilities that are uplifting and even energising.  Once I start, then I begin to notice more and more all that is good in my life.  

This morning I was out early, walking dogs and enjoying the sun rise.  With a very very strong coffee in hand, I was just grateful that:

One son is about to enjoy a few days of skiing with my sister and her family;

That our daughter is loving her studies and surrounded by good friends;

Our other son is also loving his time at Durham, enjoying great friendships and planning forward into the next chapter;

That I have some satisfying and rewarding coaching today;

I appreciated a good chat with my brother last night;

An dear friend rang to say hello – wonderful;

A walk in the moonlight last night filled me with sheer joy;

I have just started a great book that has captivated me;

How pretty to see the snowdrops;

I am excited about seeing my nieces and nephews at the weekend;

Toasted whole-wheat Sourdough, with olive oil, marmite and peanut butter is on the menu for breakfast!.

I just need to remember a few of these things and this prompts me to widen my horizons to all that is good and true and joyful.  Thank you and Happy Happy Valentine’s Day.