19 Comments

Hi Mackenzie,

We are socialised into being disatisfied - with ourselves and our lives. We have learned to want more/different rather than to savour what we have. We're almost frowned upon if we're not ambitious or aspirational, if we don't join the hustle for more. So this approach is very refreshing and I agree that gratitude is the best starting point.

Today I am grateful for:

* signs that things are improving for the student I work with

* for the ability to cast my vote our general election (I'm in New Zealand)

* for the bird song I can hear through my open window

Beth also has a book called The Fearless Writer. She made a podcast series by the same name to accompany the book, which I really enjoyed.

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I agree with what you’ve said here, Julie. It seems like a continuous cycle of dissatisfaction and wanting more and on and on.

Thank you for sharing what you are grateful for and for the book and podcast recommendation 💗

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Hi Mackenzie, holding on to the good in my life is something I'm continually practicing! This is a lovely read. Thank you. Also I'd love to know what 1940s Jazz music you recommend? :)

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Thanks Jodie!

As for music from that era, I enjoy Duke Ellington, Artie Shaw, and Ella Fitzgerald to name a few 📻💗

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That gives me a great starting point, thank you for the recommendation!

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You’re welcome!

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“Happiness begins with gratitude”--what a great reminder

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I think so too! 💛✨

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Oh how I loved this article! What a great reminder! I think we are all guilty of these feelings, but those are some wise words that hit very hard! Such truth!…I am going to have to look for these books now at my library!

Grateful

•Health of my family

•being home with my kids and was able to chaperone their field trip.. for the first time!

•good food with loved ones

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Thanks Jennifer!

Oh how fun that you got to chaperone your children’s field trip! That’ll be a fun memory to look back on 💛✨

Her books are so good!

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I loved this very interesting and timely post. ‘Content’ is actually *my word for this season* which I am finding involves taking away/refining/doing less, rather than falling into comparison traps and trying to do too much. I loved the wise words from the Japanese elder you shared. I am grateful for delicious food cooked and delivered with love by family; for the beautiful imagination of my daughter which is funny and heartwarming; and the cosiness of my bed! xx

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I love what you shared here Lyndsay! I love that content is your word for this season 🌿 May we all look to this word over the next few months especially, as the holiday season will be upon us soon ✨

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Lovely post. Gratitude is indeed wonderful. In fact, it's one of the things I'm grateful for. Others include the beautiful autumn skies over Tokyo and the beautiful flowers l see all around my neighbourhood when out for a stroll.

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How lovely Jeffery, thank you for sharing!

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1. The slow mornings I have where I get to read and drink tea at my own pace ☕️

2. The quiet from living in a semi-rural area 🌳 🦜

3. My new swim teacher role - for finding a job that improves my mood & I am grateful to the managers for their attitudes and the children for being exactly as they are ✨

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Such wisdom in this piece, I could certainly be better at appreciating what I have and where I’m at

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Thank you Percy!

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Ooh, slow mornings with a book and a cup of tea ☕️ Sounds wonderful!

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deletedOct 12, 2023Liked by Mackenzie
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Thank you for the recommendation Luisa, I will check that out! 💛✨

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