I started this grateful project because 101 days ago my life wasn't turning out the way I had planned, and the changes I wanted were completely out of my control. I discovered that the only thing I could change was my attitude and my perception of life.
I am not an optimist. I often look at life through my half empty glass and this year I have struggled more than ever before. Circumstances conspired and brought me to breaking point, my faith was unstable and my happiness was waning. I needed something to remind me of just how lucky I was, and how many people were standing behind me cheering me on.
I didn't expect this process to be so cathartic. Like an spontaneous smile, discovering what I am truly grateful for has brightened my outlook. It has also been incredibly humbling to hear how much some of you readers enjoy these posts. I love hearing your feedback, so thank you all so much if you have left me a comment or chatted to me in person. It really means a lot to connect on this level.
I also want to be grateful today for growing through pain. Working through some of the tough things that come with gratefulness has helped me to gain valuable perspective on where I came from, how I got there and where I want to be next. Know that if my posts brought tears to your eyes, I too shed tears when composing them. Sometimes it has been an equally heart-wrenching and heart-mending process to examine the pieces of my life for what they really are - gifts so completely undeserved.
For those of you who haven't been with me from Day 1 here are some of my favourite days:
DAY 3 - who knew sparkly rocks could be so life affirming
DAY 18 - reflections of my dad and a town called grief
DAY 20 - flowers from myself
DAY 27 - the high's and low's of online dating
DAY 34 - the infamous day that I got stood up for a date and still managed to be grateful for it
DAY 43 - gaining perspective from the tallest building in New York City
DAY 49 - a happy reunion
DAY 52 - the labels we wear
DAY 54 - persevering
Day 61 - an acceptance of a different future
DAY 64 - reminders
DAY 69 - leaving part of my heart in good hands (my favourite post)
DAY 85 - overcoming at least one stigma
DAY 90 - extended family
DAY 97 - a daily reminder
DAY 99 - treasures that we all carry
Today's pictures are two moments from the last 100 days where I was really, truly, deep down happy. One from last weekends bushdance, and the other from the four blissful hours that I spent wandering around the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
So, thank you for coming on this journey with me. It has been a long 100 days and I enjoyed every one of them. I will be starting a new blog tomorrow from this same site called '100 days of living and giving'. I'd love you to join me as I delve in to being more generous, along with more reflections on life, my past, the future and fun things like literature, cooking, love, dating, music, photography and other frivolity that comes with being a 30ish singleton.
PS: It would be great if you felt comfortable making a comment today to let me know who I am talking to!
PPS: Why not start your own 100 days of grateful from today? Just write something down on your calendar every day. I think you will be surprised what you find in your life to be grateful for.
PPPS: here are some of my favourite photos from the last 100 days as well.
Day 3
Day 4
Day 18
Day 20
Day 29
Day 43
Day 45
Day 46
Day 48
Day 52
Day 54
Day 64
Day 66
Day 79
Day 87
Day 95
13 comments:
You know I was reading Macca, but I will comment anyway. Well done.
I just wanted to let you know that I have loved reading your blog for the last 100 days. Your words and photography really moved me and you really taught me see positives in everyday, no matter how hard my day had been! Thank you. I look forward to the next 100 days.
Christel xxx
loosie, i am so proud of your perseverance in this project & am very happy that you have made so much movement in accepting & even beig grateful for where you are right now. love you so much.
thanks for all the beautiful pictures of my kids xox
You're talking to me :)
Linda, I started reading when you went to Canada with "our kids" and then couldn't stop, went back to the beginning, and have started my own '32 working days of grateful' (that was how many I had to go before my holidays) from your inspiration. You are such a good photographer and writer and I look forward to following your next blog also. THANK YOU for the beautiful photos, laughs and tears. GOOD JOB!!!
I'm sad the 100 days has come to an end :o(
I've been reading them on and off over the 100 days, and I just wanted to say the ones i did read have helped me to remember to see the positives in life, no matter how sucky things may seem! :)
Linda, Thanks so much for 100days, they have helped me to see some things in my life differently! Your words and photos have been an inspiration to me and I look forward to the next100days Love you and I will pray for you that God Show you His will for your life. Be happy love Aunty Jane
linda, thanks so much for all the beautiful reminders of life. If you get around to putting your photos in a book I would buy it. You are sone extremely talented and delightful women. I feel privileged to have made it into one of the 100 days of grateful!!
Hi Lindy Loo-I am very proud of your achievement!!!!! I have enjoyed reading your blog and feel very privileged to have been included in it! You have captured some beautiful pictures and you are one talented lady. You even managed to bring tears to my eyes on more than one occassion!! ( Not that that is hard to do!)
Love you .....Auntie Sandie
Hey Linda, I have enjoyed reading your blog too. God is good. Even when things are not going well, God is good! We all need to be reminded to be more grateful. Thanks! Aunty Diana, Uncle Mark and the kids who now and then come and ask to see an update on Linda's blog.
I've loved reading your journey & seeing God teach you through it.
Lovely Linda,
I have found myself sitting on the sidelines of your life eagerly cheering you on. I thought I would leave the random comment to encourage you - but I have, in fact, found myself being encouraged by you!
I will be sopping up all that you write about living and giving. May it inspire more of us to be better people.
Bless you lovey,
Mwah, B
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