Monday Musings - gratitude in abundance

I am a huge advocate of loving what you have rather than coveting that which you don't. I feel that wanting possessions with the thought they'll make you happy is an endless task; once you acquire something you only go on to wanting something more. As clichéd as it may sound, the sooner we love what we have the sooner we'll find contentment.

I can say this as I have come from a previously unhappy and discontented place. I now, in my happiest state, live in a humble, small abode. I drive a 15 year old car that rattles. I wear whatever I can find in my closet, seasons over. I rarely really have a need for material items unless they will serve a purpose (ie I need a new kitchen) or I come across something I absolutely MUST have (ie something dreamy by Marimekko). I wear the same makeup daily and only replace it when it's finished. I wear the same jewellery daily and have done for years. I furnished my home when we bought it and will probably not furnish it again unless something breaks.

I find happiness in moments, my loved ones, my surroundings. I had my niece and nephews stay over for most of this past week, that made me smile. My brother and sister in law visited a few times, that made me smile. My husband and son had a boys day out and went out for lunch together, that made me smile. Seeing my family happy makes me smile.

So as the end of my holidays draw near I find myself feeling grateful for the quality time I have been able to spend with my dearest for the past two weeks. I have been able to sit through Diary of a Wimpy Kid and actually watch it in its entirety with my son, without needing to get up and do chores that need doing with my usual limited time. As I look through my sparkling clean windows into my spring-cleaned back garden (as I say, it really is the simple things) I am grateful I had the quality time to fuss over my abode without it encroaching heavily on my family time. I smile to myself. I smile over these simple moments that fill my heart with joy, and I am grateful.

A shiny, fancy car and a huge, fancy home could never provide all that.

Bubbles of bliss... finishing my laundry by noon, on a Monday. no Mondayitis. belly laughs at the cinema. shiny windows and blinds. Karcher love on my back yard. seeing my son in the company of his cousins. laughs with my niece and nephews. seeing my nephew play footy. sunny days. spring weather. lots of baking. hearing my nephew say my first attempt at this pasta dish was 'awesome'. my sister-in-law coming over and mowing my lawn (bless). receiving my beloved Erin Condren planner *swoon*.

Here's to a week that's filled with smiles and gratitude, make it fabulous!

{image source: Pinterest}