The simple fact that I am here and have life to be grateful for.

I hope that I exude an aura of acceptance, a non judgemental attitude that goes towards creating a more friendly experience with those that I meet or simply pass on a day to day basis. A smile costs nothing.

By respecting it and not taking it for granted. Understanding that everything I am blessed with is sacred and being grateful for that everyday.

Perhaps not for the right reason, but my mother and my sister. When my own mental health went the wrong way it was not wishing to have the same bad mental experiences that they had, that made me swallow my pride and go to my GP. They suffered terribly in their lives and I actually lost my sister to her mental health. I was determined not to take the same route and that made me get the help I needed, or at least to start with. I feel I have a long way to go yet.

The birth of niece No.5. You would think I would be used to the arrival of nieces but when this one is the first on my baby sister’s, no way. So emotional, so proud. This was different. Such an experience, love it. Sometimes I really do not like that I live so far away but I will always respond and be there above my own life. Niece No.5 is stunning, joining 4 other stunning nieces.

Wow, how to choose? I am grateful for the fact that we have so many species to marvel over. However, if I have to pick one I would choose an Orca. Many people dislike them and often call them killer whales but they are renowned for their strong family units and I simply adore them.

Today I want to look more deeply at myself and how I intend to support my health this year, physical and mental. I will spend time to focus on how I can do this.

The innocence of my baby niece.

It would give a new perspective.

By taking time to pause and absorb what is in the moment, not to be rushed. To slow down and understand that it is OK to do so. To incorporate pause into my daily life, knowing that is is a benefit to my well-being.

I lost my mum in April. She had a partner but of only a few years, after having split from my stepdad after 20 years! I do not really know this man but I am doing my best to stay connected with him, he made my mum very happy and I want to keep supporting him as best as I can. I am grateful for what he did for her and how he made her feel in her last years and I want to show my gratitude.

A kind and patient heart, my time on community projects.

I wish I could be less self critical in order to be closer to my husband, it is limiting how I react around him and I feel it is limiting my love and I know it pushes him away, even though I want to do the reverse.

I do my best to stop and take time out to write about and reflect on my day and its events and to focus on its gifts and be grateful for what has been.

It makes me stop and take in all that I have around me and it makes me feel so lucky. My heart hurts sometimes when I feel this as I know there are so many out there who do not have just the things needed to sustain life.

I agree with Michele that I often find gratitude comes after a difficult interaction. Gratefulness has taught me to always look for the positive even in a negative situation or a situation that makes me feel negative.

The next generation. I now have four nieces and the fifth is one her way, I have faith and hope in how they may help shape the world they have been born into.

My love for my family has made a difference to myself. If I did not have them to feel love for then I would not be who I am.

In looking at my three beautiful nieces and how they are growing up. Despite turmoil in their life they are choosing good paths and growing into respectful young ladies, I am very proud of them, and I know my sister, their mum, will be looking down on them and beaming too.

I often find it amazing what or who can change us or help us, a cat, a river, a written word. Whatever you find to make you feel safe, cling to it and respond to it. Even in the deepest of despairs I hope the smallest of things can find you and bring you through.