A Special Invitation from Heart and Home

Hey there! I’m inviting you all to a party!

Read on for more info….

Sometimes when I can't sleep I think about things like these:...

From what I've seen out there in Blogland many of you are a lot like me, and we all have it pretty good! We live in homes that, while they may not be exactly what we want them to be, are warm and safe -with clean, unlimited water, indoor plumbing, electricity, and a pantry and refrigerator full of good, healthy food (with some favorite junk food stashed on the shelves, too!)

We spend a lot of time thinking about how we want to change things around our homes to please us more, and spend a lot of time and energy working on projects - painting, refinishing, sewing, shopping and just doing things for our homes. We might not spend a lot of money on these projects, yet for most of us the ability to do them - to take care of whatever it is that needs taking care of, is no big deal. We enjoy the hunt, finding the great piece, making the deal, and tackling the project that will make our home speak for us and convey the message we want it to convey. We enjoy turning our houses into homes.

Often, in the mad scramble to fix, improve, clean, replace, and beautify- I become a bit restless. The constant search for, if not perfection then close to perfection, in my home means I take a lot of what I have in my life, and my home in general, for granted. Lately, I've been trying to live in a more "aware" state of mind, to appreciate things, and to live more in the moment. Believe me it's not always easy to stay in a state of grace and gratitude when I have a migraine, or the power is out and it's 52 degrees in the house, or the dog just had an "accident" on the carpet - but I really am trying to stay focused on what's important, and let the rest go...

At the risk of sounding a bit like Pollyanna, (and to celebrate my 100th post and 6 month blogging anniversary!) I'm starting a weekly Wednesday party that celebrates gratitude for our gifts, big or small. Some days it's the little things (like waking up without a headache, for example) that seem really big! Other days, because it's more often the norm, I don't even notice my good health. Likewise, the absence of certain daily comforts and conveniences makes them much more appreciated when they return...(think electricity and running water - totally taken for granted until I have to do without for a day or two!)

In other words, absence really does make the heart grow fonder - for all things, not just a loved one. A favorite food, a comfortable bed, a beloved movie or book, a song from days past, all seem sweeter after their absence from my life for awhile! The trick, I think, is to recognize and appreciate those things on a daily basis, when they are part of the normal routine of my life and things are just humming along smoothly. Noticing the good stuff, instead of always noticing the silly, annoying, irritating things that invariably come along day to day, that's my goal for the day, and the weeks, and the months ahead.

Studies have proven that people who take time to be grateful every day are happier! My guess is that by posting about something I feel grateful for on at least one day a week I will begin to notice the other things more, the rest of the time.

Viewing all the great decorating, do-it-yourself projects, tablescapes, recipes, and outdoor scenery everyone shares here in the blogsphere everyday has become one of my favorite things to do, a new hobby for me! I love participating, and getting inspiration from so many creative people! The gratitude that many of you express daily for your beloved homes, families and friends has motivated me to try something new here at Heart and Home:

I invite you to join me on Wednesdays –

 and I look forward to seeing whatever it is that really makes your heart sing and makes you smile! It doesn't matter what it is: it could be a favorite collectible, piece of furniture, website, book, song, view, food, or flower. Say thanks for it, feel your appreciation and the happiness it brings you, and show it to us next week, February 3rd, on the first ever (hope-to-be-weekly) Wednesday Gratitude.  Tell your friends, link in, and show us what you've got!

We can share our gratitude, and get happier, together!

Thank you, Beverly, for Pink Saturday!

Thanks for stopping by,
Until next time,
XO
Heidi

P.S. For a fun look at happiness, go here: http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/
Or read Gretchin Rubin’s bestselling book, "The Happiness Project”