The Little Things No. 13

The little things really do add up, which is why every Friday I want to end the week on a positive note with appreciation for the little things in my life that make up a greater sense of joy.  I hope you join me today in appreciating the good, no matter how small.

Because this is about appreciation rather than perfection, I’m not only including my professional quality photos, but some cellphone snaps as well. You can expect to see a more candid look into my life every week with my The Little Things blog posts every Friday.

Dear Friends,

This week things are feeler better for me. I’m thankful, of course, but I also feel sadness knowing that so many people are struggling with job loss and the loss of loved ones. A few people I know have already lost beloved family members and friends. I’ve been doing compassion mediation lately and thinking about all the people in the world I want to spread my love and compassion to. I hope this letter finds you all safe and well today.

My wedding photography business took a big hit this first half of the year, which will greatly impact my ability to book next year as well, but I’ve accepted it and I am learning to appreciate this period of slowness. All of a sudden the pressure to hustle is off and I was floundering for a while, but now I am searching for joy in the simplicity and quiet instead. Being an introvert like myself certainly helps.

I have turned to my blog, writing, photography, and creativity as a source of joy. I don’t have a yard and many parks have been closed, but I have been doing my best to get out into nature as well. To increase my energy, mood, and health I have also been eating much healthier and making smoothie bowls. I even started sharing some of my simple recipes on the blog. I’m not a great cook, but I am decent at whipping stuff up out of what I have or tweaking recipes to suit me. I like my recipes and my meals simple, leaving complicated recipes for very special occasions only.

How have you been finding joy in your day?

This week, the little things I am grateful for are:

This blue sky. It has been raining so much lately so I really appreciate every nice day we have.

My latest smoothie bowl recipe. I’m using healthy foods and walking to boost my mood and my health.

Learning to appreciate life at a slower pace.

The beauty of New England and walks through empty towns with Matthew.

My hair is growing back! I was under a lot of stress and I started loosing chunks of hair. Thankfully, with months of stress management, healthy hair hacks, and Just Nutritive natural hair products, it is filling back in and I feel better than ever with my natural wavy, curly, and wild hair.

So thankful for this Grow New Hair serum from Just Nutritive.

Happy first day of May! What are you thankful for this week?

With appreciation,

Courtney