Monday, December 2, 2013

Gratitude

Through the month of November, I carried around a permanent marker and a piece of paper everywhere I went. I asked different people to write down what or who they were thankful for and then I took a photo.  It started out as a fun way to involve the community in the "Gratitude" month at my studio, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

It amazed me what came to people's minds.  They were grateful for the people in their lives, of course, but also for random acts of kindness, for nature, for getting away with something, for their daily routines, and the list went on and on.  I put the marker away and just started to ask everyone "What are you thankful for?"  People I had known for 10 years would be thankful for their childhood puppy that I didn't even knew had existe!  I learned so much about my friends, my clients, and strangers all from a question that I had never thought to ask before.

I encourage everyone to take even one day and ask people what they appreciate most in their lives.  You get to hear so many stories about weird uncles, loves of the past, pets, experiences, even sounds.  It gives you such a unique look into your friend's lives.  I know I am grateful for all the stories shared with me.  Here are a few of the highlights from the month...