There we have it!
30 days of Gratitude Drawings. How wonderful it is to see them all together!
When I started this challenge 30 drawings ago, I was looking for something...more. I started my gratitude practice for the same reason so many others do- to find a deeper connection to my life.
I noticed that all the small moments I let slip by me were culminating in a slow but steady viewing of my life as less than.
Simply put, I was looking for more joy. This gratitude drawing practice helped me uncover that what I thought was missing in my life was actually just right there, waiting for me to see it.
So often we think that joy makes us grateful, when in reality, it’s gratitude that brings us joy.
-Brené Brown
Some stuff I learned:
I'm more aware. I think this has been the most profound shift- this challenge has instilled the oh-so-important habit of taking a beat and actually noticing the things that bring me a moment of peace or a smile to my face. It really is a practice.
I know myself better. Showing some creative love to the memories and moments that have enriched my life, no matter how small, has strengthened my sense of self. It's all too easy to identify and dwell on what frustrates me, but the more I engage with what brings me pleasure the better I understand what's genuinely important to me. It’s not always the flashy moments I expected it would be.
It’s all about nature baby! This practice made me realize just how much nature contributes to my happiness. I owe so much to the ocean, the trees, and the mountains for giving me a great deal of my most treasured moments. The more time I spend really present with the wind on my face, actively listening to the rustling of leaves the better I feel.
Gratitude is not a cure-all. Meditation isn’t either. In the beginning, I hoped for this- that these things would be a one-stop fix for all of life's problems. Instead, they have provided a framework that helps me see my experiences through a clearer lens. I now have something powerful to turn to when I feel overwhelmed with life's inevitable slips and falls.
There are fewer FML moments. I’m getting better at accepting moods and all those less-than-great feelings I've spent so much of my life choking down. It's not like flipping a switch, but when I focus on more gratitude throughout each day, I realize the richness of life is all around me, all the time, even when I'm down.
Focusing on everything I appreciate in my own life leaves less time to compare myself to others. We're constantly bombarded by other's seemingly perfect life moments- big trips, babies, book deals- bringing with it boatloads of feelings of inadequacy. It's not always easy, but actively searching for more beauty in my everyday moments has built up my self-worth, making me feel lucky to be here, living this life.
Those few and far-between fireworks moments are great, but they may not be where all the true richness in life resides. The subtle, teeny things, so often overlooked in life appear in my mind when I meditate on all the things I’m grateful for. That’s the stuff that adds consistent wonder to the everyday. Things like:
Why Blue?
Some of my first meditations were gratitude practices, during which I often saw blue lights pulsing behind my eyes. As I meditated, flashes of small, yet mighty moments would bubble up in my mind- belly laughing with my sister, that time I found duck eggs in the rosemary bushes, or my mom gently scratching my head as I laid in her lap as a child.
The color blue symbolizes all kinds of things- nature, stability, sadness, healing, the third eye…
While I feel all those apply in some way- I took the blue lights as a signal- telling my mind that is was time for peace. This opened me up to the truth that "the more" I thought I was missing is already present in my life's journey and in my everyday. I just had to take the time to acknowledge it.
So my decision was made- blue would be the palette for this practice.
Y’all joined in too
Which has delighted and inspired me to no end! Here are some beautiful gratitude drawings from Greta Mantooth, Rashmi Satyakumar, and Jasmine.
You can see more of their gorgeous work here: #30daysofgratitudedrawings. Thanks so much to all you incredible artists for sharing your gratitude creations with me!
Brainstorming bits and bobs
I simply refused to labor too much over these drawings. I think that would have defeated the purpose of the practice.
Instead, I had some loose ideas and layouts, spending about 20-30 minutes each day on the final images. Using a monochromatic palette helped simplify this process.
Since I intentionally did not overthink these drawings, I like some more than others. However, when I see them altogether I find them to be powerful- so fun to look at it as a collection!
I think that’s part of the message too- taking the time to appreciate all these seemingly small things adds up. It builds, bringing with it energy and joy to the ho hum-ness of daily life.
Supporting the project
If you’d like to support this project and have a keepsake to remind you to bring more gratitude into your life, please consider purchasing The Little Things. 30 Days of Gratitude Drawings. This art booklet includes all the drawings from this challenge as well as some special extras.
Paid subscribers receive a free copy <3
If you’re interested in any originals or individual prints, send me a message with the title of the piece you’d like to purchase.
I am so touched that these drawings have resonated with so many of you. I guess we all need a reminder now and then to cherish the little things that make life feel more special. I've definitely decided to keep this practice going!
If you’re curious about practicing gratitude, I've found that guided meditation is a great way to get started. Here are a few of my favorites:
5 Minute Guided Mediation- Gratitude by The Healing Platform
Evening Meditation for Gratitude, Positive Energy & Deep Relaxation
Start Your Day with Gratitude: A Morning Guided Meditation
Thank you friends,
Cait
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