It’s Thanksgiving here in Canada today, which has gotten me thinking of gratitude in a more wide-scoping, yearlong sense. Last winter, I was having a bumpy month, much like I’m experiencing this month (though last year’s was to a far lesser degree). While I haven’t been much good at keeping it up since then, at the time, I took on the project of writing in a gratitude diary once a day to try to combat the negativity I was feeling then – I managed to keep it up for a couple months or so. I have the unfortunate tendency to be too hard on myself and to focus on all the things I wish I was better at or could improve on rather than being happy for the amazing things I already have – well, keeping this gratitude diary for even a month completely changed this, even for awhile after I had gotten lazy and stopped writing. Life got busy in a great way a couple months later and I ended up letting the gratitude diary fall by the wayside completely, but it was a really great albeit temporarily forgotten lesson in how perception is so integral to how you feel about things in general, and how perception is ultimately always in your control regardless of external factors.
As you guys probably know, I’ve been dealing with the loss of my sweet puppy, who we had to say goodbye to last week. I know that feeling such a tremendous amount of grief over the loss of a pet doesn’t make sense to everyone, but for me, it’s been a lot harder than I could have imagined it would be and I’ve definitely been feeling a whole range of negative emotions, from loss to anger to denial (apparently there’s this thing called the Seven Stages of Grief, anyone heard of it?). This downward pull has felt particularly strong, which is why I’m really so lucky that Thanksgiving happened to just pop up in the midst of all of this. Being surrounded by my family and giving thanks for the amazing life we have has reminded me of the tremendous power that last year’s simple shift in perception created, and it’s inspired me to try to tackle a gratitude diary again this year. It’s normal to grieve obviously but I just know I need to be careful about losing sight of the good while working through the bad. Nothing helps you see the good like like gratitude does, and as today’s post’s title implies, in my experience, gratitude does change everything. But like most things, you’ve got to put in a bit of work first before you start seeing that payoff.
So whether you’re in Canada celebrating this holiday of giving thanks today, gearing up for your Thanksgiving in the States soon or just want a reason to add a bit more gratitude into your life, consider this a challenge to start a diary yourself too! There’s so much scientific and anecdotal evidence supporting how powerful gratitude (and the recognition/documentation of it) can be – though it’s something we all know we should exercise a bit more, maybe a few of you are also needing a little reminder yourself, so consider this a little prod to start jotting down something you’re grateful for once a day :). You can hold me to the challenge too.
Though I’ll be keeping this diary privately of course, one thing I can publicly give thanks for is this blog and the amazing readers/friends I’ve developed because of it! I gave thanks last week for all the wonderful messages of condolence I received, but again, so grateful to have this outlet to share my thoughts and to share my style, a creative expression that always brings me joy. Pulling together this casual weekend look centred around my favourite new skinnies from James Jeans was definitely a welcome relief – nothing is more fall to me than rich brown leather mixed with autumn leaf tones like scarlet red, especially when accented with gold (like this new nameplate necklace from MyNameNecklace!). It even got me excited to take a walk to Granville Island to walk about in one of my favourite little tree-lined nooks there. It’s been so beautiful lately – while I’m a diehard summer girl, this autumn has been a particularly swoon-worthy one.
Anyway, sorry for all the heavy posts lately guys – it’s been a bit of a heavier time unfortunately, but I’m hoping that with a little work and time, I’ll be on the upswing soon. Thanks as always for your incredible support :). Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow Canucks!
{ PS get your free Lara Casey “Gratitude Changes Everything” wallpaper download here! }
This looks like such a nice fall look! I love different types of leather jackets, I feel like I need one in every color!
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I can totally understand having that much grief over loosing a pet, they become our best friends. I'm glad you had a good Thanksgiving surrounded by friends and family, it's wonderful to be surrounded by loved ones during a tough time. A gratitude journal is such a brilliant idea, I might have to try that, I can be so negative sometimes.
These jeans are amazing, and fit you perfectly, love the striped top too! The tones in this look are so perfect 🙂
wow you look so pretty!
kisses from milan
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Happy Thanksgiving! Love this whole look! I'm glad that you're surrounded by family and friends at this difficult time. Hopefully that will make it a little easier! Also, I like the new blog layout! It's probably been up for a few days, but I somehow missed it.
~Sara
I am certainly not one to mind longer posts, specially if they are as full of insightful, genuine reflections like this one is! First of all, I'm truly sorry for the loss of your pup. I read back to your post about him and I legit got emotional. I am also a dog person, and although I've only had Rosie for 2 years, my whole family and I are already greatly attached to her. Of course, 2 years isn't even comparable to 13… so all I can say is that things will get better. Memories which only evoke grief for you and your family now will bring tears of happiness as time heals the wound.
I think the idea of a gratitude journal is amazing… I can perfectly see how it could change a person's whole outlook on life in a matter of weeks. I've been in a bumpy state of mind lately, mostly because the studies I'm coursing right now are far from what I'd really like to be doing in life, and some days I just don't see the point of it. You've truly inspired me to start writing, or better put, TRYING to write everyday a bit of why I should be happy.
It's sincerely SO refreshing to find fashion blogs out there like yours, in which people are not afraid to show they're more than mere models showing off their closet, but are adventurous and insightful enough to put out there a piece of their mind.
Your relaxing writing and peaceful pictures were a great way to end my day (it's 10PM here in Spain), and last but not least, your outfit is impeccable! That blush lip color on you is beyond gorgeous.
Take care, I'm really glad you enjoyed your Thanksgiving holidays 🙂 xxx
La vie en low-cost
I think this is such a beautiful idea – keep us posted!
You look gorgeous, and Happy Thanksgiving! I just got back to Vancouver after visiting my auntie in Edmonton xo
First off there is nothing wrong with being as upset as you are over the loss of a pet. When my first family dog passed away I was beyond crushed and it really couldn't have happened at a worse time in my life as I was dealing with some major personal issues. But there is always as silver linning and it will get better. It took me two years but I finally managed to adopt a amazing puppy that I can love just as much as my first pet. It just takes a bit of time is all to get over the loss. And Secondly love your outfit and new blog look! Happy Thanksgiving
You look beautiful Alex! I can't believe that jacket is F21! Also I don't mind the heavy posts.. Blogs can be therapeutic in a way and I'm glad you are trying to look up! Also I LOVE the new blog layout!
I did not read your "For Bailey" post until just now and currently have tears streaming down my face. Even though I've never met you or your sweet pup, the love you and Bailey had was so strong it could be felt through your photos. I'm glad to hear you're starting your gratitude diary again. I know how easy it can be to only focus on the negatives and take the positive things in life for granted so this is a great exercise for everyone! On a lighter note, this location on Granville Island is stunning! The perfect backdrop to your autumn appropriate outfit.
Marisa
http://style-rhapsody.blogspot.com
So stylish!:)
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A chic kiss 😉
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This looks like such a nice fall look! I love different types of leather jackets i have some collection check it Exclusive Remove Wrinkles Leather Jackets