To change things up this year with my travel adventures I decided to incorporate a way of thinking (theme) that I have been trying to weave into my life over the past couple of years. This change came out of my desire to be more happy with and content in my life. Here is a little bit of background and explanation on what I’m talking about.

A couple of years ago before my trip to the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan I had heard about a book called One Thousand Gifts. It was essentially about living fully in the present and that at any given moment each one of us have a lot to be thankful for. If we focus in on those it will help us find happiness in the present. I carried this idea with me on my trip to the UP, which let’s be honest isn’t hard to do. It’s a beautiful place with limited cell reception ha! so, it’s a little hard to not live in the present when you are there. I was really focused on this idea when I was on my trip but forgot about it after returning home to Houston.

Although, I did not forget about my desire to be happier and I will admit overall these past couple of years have been some of the happiest of my life.

Back to the story! As I was looking through my old UP pictures on my Instagram feed prior to my month-long summer trip to the UP I saw the hashtag #1000ThingsToBeThankfulFor that I had used on that trip. I thought what better time to bring it back! So, I am challenging myself to actually complete it this time around! We will see how I do. 🙄

I’m going to start off by the big things that I’m grateful each day and give each a line or two of gratitude. Several events over the past few months have led me to think about these things even more often then I already was.

#1 – My husband, Taylor. I don’t know where to begin. You are my best friend and we are in each other life’s because we want to share this life with one another. He is the best dog dad in the world and is nothing but supportive and proud of all my crazy ideas. I love you. Thanks for being my biggest cheerleader and putting a smile on my face everyday. Life is easy with you and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

#2 – Sophia Rose. You have been at my side through all of my biggest moments in life. I tear up just thinking about all the ways in which you’ve supported with me; you are my daughter, my confidant, my biggest support and the biggest brat in the world. Thank you for showing me my rightful place in this world, Queen, which is, rubbing your belly and feeding you copious amounts of treats! You are perfect.

#3 Gonzo. Hard to imagine a time when we didn’t have your kind soul in our family. You remind me each day that I should get excited about the small things, forgive easily, and always be excited to go on a W-A-L-K or play some ball! 😂 But for real, I have learned everything I know about living in the present from you.

#4 – My mom and dad. As I get older and the more time I spend with children in schools I realize what a wonderful upbringing y’all provided me with. Thank you.

#5 – My sisters, Kati and Tami. Nothing beats sister time and I am so thankful for the time the tree of us share together. I am also so excited to be an Aunt!

#6 – My Health. I am beyond thankful for all the places my two feet have taken me.

#7 – My job, over the last year I have worked hard on appreciating my job and all the opportunities it provides me with. It took me awhile to realize it but I am happy in my current position and am thankful for the inspiring people I get to work with. Education can take a great toll on you emotionally and it is easy to turn every situation into a negative one.

#8 – Fostering. I have mentioned this on the blog before but, this year has been made that much better through fostering several amazing souls. Each of them has taught us something different things about ourselves and each have brought so much joy into our lives. We love helping them along in their journey to their forever home even it makes me a sobbing mess every single time!

Those are the big things I’m thankful for. At the end of each post I will make sure to jot any that come to me as I am writing each post or as I’m just loving life! 8 down, 992 to go! I challenge you to think about all the things you are grateful for and to live in the present!

Now back to travelling! For those of you who don’t know, I am spending 6 weeks in Michigan this summer. Some in my hometown and the rest by my sister in the UP, in the little town she is interning in called Houghton, which is the geographical start of the Keweenaw Peninsula otherwise known as Copper Country!!

Should be a good time, my sister Tami is pregnant so I will get to attend all her baby showers and spend some quality time with both of my sisters and family which will be nice since we haven’t all been together in years. Hard to believe that the people I used to eat dinner with every night for 18 years are now people that I only see a couple of times a year. Looking forward to documenting all my travels!

#9 – The ability both time-wise and financially to spend all this time in the summer with my family.