Tuesday 1 January 2013

2013 - The Year Of Appreciation



Wow!

2013, you're here!

Who can believe it?

2012 seemed to go past in the blink of an eye, and no doubt this brand spankin' new year will too.

I have to admit, time passing so quickly scares the hell out of me.

I'm terrified that one day I'm going to wake up to discover my life is over.

At least the best of it.


My boys grown.

My skin saggy and wrinkled.

My mobility a struggle.

Loved ones passed on.

Regrets for chances not taken or a life not lived.



I don't want that for myself.


I get so caught up in the day to day hustle and bustle, that I miss the beauty all around me.

Instead of seeing the allure of the morning sun coming through the window, I'm annoyed because I am awake before I wanted to be.

Instead of hearing the music in my children's laughter, I get angry about the mess or the noise they're making.

Instead of being appreciative of the rain that is watering my garden for me, I get pissed off because I have errands to run and don't want to get wet.


Because of that attitude, I miss the sun's rays playing on the wall.

I miss the enjoyment and innocence in child play.

I miss nature's tears dripping silently from a leaf.


Well not any more.

I am going to take notice.

I am going to slow down and make time for the little things.

I'm going to stand still, close my eyes and just breathe.

I don't want my life to pass me by without being grateful for all the awe inspiring wonder that surrounds me every minute of every day!


So I have set myself a challenge.

To find that which is beautiful and immortalise it in a photo.

Every day.





Starting today.

 I walked out my back door to have a wander around the back yard and this beautiful red rose caught my eye. 

How could I refuse?

Such a gorgeous colour!



Day 1.




Feel free to join me!

It's actually quite exciting! 

I'm feeling really inspired.


I'll be using the hashtag #365daysofgrateful on Instagram and Twitter.


Keep your eye out for tomorrow's instalment!


Happy New Year!

And it is.

Really happy.

xx







          Tracey ♥





A very late link up with Essentially Jess for #IBOT






36 comments:

  1. Oh - what a lovely idea. I really look forward to following you through this xx

    #teamIBOT

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  2. Can't wait to see what comes up everyday. Not to sure I can ever commit to something for 365 days in a year. I struggle to do the daily photo tasks lol. Hope you and your family have a wonderful new year.

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    1. I'm not sure how I'll go either Salz, but all I can do is try! lol
      Happy new year to you too.
      xxx

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  3. I totally love this post - especially the bits about not worrying about mess and hearing music in my children's laughter. This year is going to be the year I become more patient, I know it won't be easy but I have to do it otherwise I'll be a cranky mumma forever! Happy New Year Tracey. Emily :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Emily. It's going to be a big change for me, but I really need to stop worrying about the insignificant stuff. Life's too short.
      Good luck with the patience! :)
      xx

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  4. LOVE your new attitude! And gorgeous photo!
    I'm doing something similar. I've just started #365DaysInNature. :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Thea!
      Oooh, I love that idea! Was your first day today?
      I think a lot of my photos will end up incorporating nature, as I tend to head outside when looking for something beautiful!
      Good luck with it :)
      xx

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  5. What a fantastic idea Tracey. I love all the inspirational things that people are coming out with. Look forward to you sharing your journey. Fairy wishes and butterfly kisses lovely

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Rhianna. I think a lot of people, including me, have realised we have a lot to be grateful for :)
      xx

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  6. I have a friend who posts every day on her facebook wall what she is grateful for.. and its lovely to see her look around and be grateful for the little things.. not the same things over and over :)



    #teamIBOT was here :)

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    1. That's a lovely idea Yvette. I have read of other people who, at the end of every day, write down what they're grateful for and I'm considering doing that too. Lots of great ideas to make us more appreciative :)
      xx

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  7. Stunning photos, Trace! And what a gorgeous idea! I'll try and join you on this one xxx

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    1. Thanks Grace, would love you to join in! :)
      xx

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  8. Great idea - I have committed to using my Gratitude App every day - not sure I can get the photos done but I am sure going to have a good crack at finding different things to be grateful for every single day ! Will use that # and post one thing each day.
    Have the best year !
    Me

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    Replies
    1. Linda, what is this Gratitude app??? That sounds like something for me!! Please tell me more!
      I'd love you to join in....look forward to seeing your pics :)
      xx

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  9. What a love idea! I actually did a 365 gratitude challenge about 15years ago, it changed my life! I wrote 5 things everyday that I was grateful for, it made me see the good all around my and stop focussing on the bad!

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    Replies
    1. Sounds like you were way ahead of the times Eleise!
      I wish I had done something like this back then. Might have made a lot of bad things easier to cope with, when you can see some good as well!
      Thanks for stopping by! :)
      xx

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  10. What a lovely idea!
    I can't wait to follow your journey here and on Instagram!

    Happy 2013!

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  11. Beautiful idea Tracey and very similar to Denyse's as well. I think we are all aiming for a little more grateful this year :)

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    1. Thanks Jess. I haven't seen Denyse's yet...hoping to pop by and check it out today.
      It's a good thing I think! Definitely for me, as I get so caught up on the little things. Now I need to appreciate the little things! :)
      xx

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  12. Replies
    1. Thanks Victoria! And thanks for stopping by :)
      xx

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  13. I love this Tracey (so much so I have mentioned it in a blog post this week :)), best wishes for a year full of gratitude.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Alana! I'll pop by and have a look! :)
      xx

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  14. Good Luck, it takes great commitment for a whole year!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for that, and yes it does!
      We'll see how we go. It's trying that counts doesn't it? ;)
      xx

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  15. I am mindful that my life is flashing before my eyes, especially now I am 40. Thanks for the reminder to appreciate the good and turn negatives into positives.

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  16. I know I commented earlier in the week but I just wanted to drop by and say how beautiful your photos have been.

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    Replies
    1. Awww, thank you hun! That means a lot :)
      xx

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  17. I love this idea Tracey - I will try to join in when I can. I will also try to take the time to appreciate all the little things everyday - thanks for the reminder and good luck with the challenge during 2013.

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    1. Thanks Kirsty! I'd love you to join in when you can!

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  18. Very inspiring. I have started trying to do this everyday too. Not the photo, but the stopping and acknowledging the small, wonderful moments throughout my day.
    What a great idea to take a photo each day. Not sure I could keep up but look forward to seeing yours :-)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Ang! I'm not sure I can keep up either, but I'm going to give it a go! lol

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