Celebrating 2023: A month or gratitude- Day 21

Image: Canva

Earlier this year, a friend asked me how I always noticed the seemingly little details around me that seemed to pass her by. I was humbled by the question. I didn’t realise I did it, to be honest, and had to think about how I got here as I didn’t always notice them.


If I think back, it probably started when I made the choice to be more grateful for the things I had rather than waste time only desiring the things that I didn’t have. I had made a list of all my achievements, big and small, and all the things I owned that I was really grateful for and why. That exercise blew me away. I was so proud of myself and, at the same time, humbled by all that God had given. I don’t have a whole hoard of stuff, but I have a lot, more than most, which humbles me.


Being a mother to a toddler also made me see the world through a kid’s eyes again. Mother Earth is an absolute marvel through a kid’s eyes. The trick is always keeping that child’s sense of awe and wonder when looking at a sunset, sunrise, centipede, or simple tree. I now sit by a window at work that at least has a view of the greenery outside. I had an ocean view for a while but had to move desks. The best part is that even though I sit at the same desk every time, the view outside is never exactly the same. God blesses me with a new picture every day.


I guess the lesson is that gratitude can bring a sense of awe and wonder into your life and help you appreciate the things you would generally take for granted around you. It will even help look at people differently. You will see the positive in them without even trying.


I love this way of viewing the world and life in general. It has allowed me to finally comprehend that “this too shall pass” when bad times try to overwhelm me and that there is always something good to hold on to, even in the middle of what may feel like a hurricane. Always!


Oh, and today, I am most grateful that the book I ordered arrived a week early! I have been waiting for this book to be published for almost 10 years!!! It’s finally here, and I can’t wait to get started! I loved “I Am Pilgrim”. It was the first book I enjoyed reading when my son got a little older, and I had a little time to read again. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I couldn’t find a book that I enjoyed as much for a few months after that. The publisher has been pushing the book’s launch out every year since about 2015. I had given up on it, so you can imagine how thrilled I was to see it exists! Have you read it yet, or “I Am Pilgrim”? What did you think?

Image: Author’s own

Well that’s it from me today. Thanks for stopping by. Be blessed.

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Author: Grounded African

Proudly South African mum to a bright and gorgeous young human. Employee. Life Coach in the making. Blogger. Fascinated with and passionate about people and helping them grow.

4 thoughts on “Celebrating 2023: A month or gratitude- Day 21”

  1. What an inspiring post! It’s wonderful to read about your journey towards finding awe and gratitude in everyday life. Your perspective on viewing the world through a child’s eyes is truly refreshing. I’m curious, how do you remind yourself to maintain that sense of wonder on a daily basis despite life’s challenges? Looking forward to hearing more from you!

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    1. Hello. Thank you for your comment.
      I have a daily reminder on my phone, set for when I wake up, to thank God for blessing me with another day. That sense of gratitude then stays with me through the day.
      There are also views on my daily commute to work that always take my breath away. There is one spot that never fails to blows my mind. Even though the sun hits the sea in roughly the same spot every morning, shadows from any clouds and the position of the ships waiting to enter the harbour, differs everyday. The picture is never exactly the same. So each time I drive around that corner, I am blown away by the new painting that God has prepared.
      In a nutshell, I had to be intentional about it by using reminders on my phone initially. Now it just comes naturally although I keep the morning reminder. Let me know if that helps.

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