When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.—G. K. Chesterton

I hope your launch into the “hollydaze” is filled with gratitude, exhales, and deep connection.

Last night Tim and I curled up fireside with the pups and watched a thriller. Nothing says holiday like a thriller, right?!

Before yesterday’s dinner I created a collage spread about intention (see above image). It feels good to play in paper, washi tape, and pens again. I plan to spend more time this weekend curating—pulling images and words that resonate, then cutting them out to place on a future collage spread.

If you’d like to do the same, the next phase involves creating a collage with the words, images, quotes, paint swatches—anything you find that inspires—and gluing or taping them down.

The final phase is writing on or around the images by answering journal prompts or free writing. Here’s a video I made a few years ago that gives more insight into art journaling and a France travel art journal.

Since we’ve all heard about the benefits of keeping a gratitude journal, a fun spread could be around what you’re grateful for.

This holiday weekend offers an opportunity to shake things up and do things differently. Maybe for you this means sleeping in or traveling to grandma’s. Or maybe it means taking naps and losing yourself in a novel.

Listen deeply to what wants attention and allow yourself to drop into the holiday experience with intention. Set aside the smartphone, roll out your yoga mat, slow down, and savor. Even if it’s only a few minutes and means pumpkin pie for breakfast (my favorite thing about this time of the year).

This weekend I’ll be catching up on online courses while sitting by the fire, writing, reading, walking in the woods, and spending quality time with Tim, Belle, and Mookie. Oh, and art journaling!

Wishing you an ease-filled weekend that nourishes your soul. Bisous. x

P.S. Below is a poem I found a few years ago and thought you, too, may enjoy!


Be Thankful Poem
 
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
 
Be thankful when you don’t know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
 
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
 
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
 
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.
 
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
 
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary,
because it means you’ve made a difference.
 
It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
 
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.
—Author Unknown