Guest Post: “Golden Gratitude. I’ve got this.” in Monika Strand’s exact words

Fellow blogger Monika Strand practices gratitude. Here she posts for us at da-AL’s blog about the importance of mindful appreciation…

52. The number of weeks in a year. The age I turned in December. The number of people who have touched my life that I intend to write about this year.

Why 52? For me, this writing journey almost began when I turned 50. My intention? To write a book about 50 people that inspired me. It didn’t matter if it was a brief encounter or someone that I’ve known a lifetime. I wanted to dig deep into my memories and be grateful for the people who have given me hope in humanity. Or perhaps they nourished my soul and helped me blossom into the person I’ve become.

50 came and went. I didn’t write a word.

52 is different. It’s a year that my life is taking on new challenges. With everything changing around me, I’m finally writing. I find it hard to stop. I hate interruptions. I can’t wait to see how my stories will unravel.

Who helped create your story? Who made you laugh or cry? What moments in your life need to be shared?

You may think 52 is a big number to take on this writing challenge. Not really. I started jotting down the people I could possibly write about. Coming up with 52 people/memories was easy. Now I just need to write about them!

Photo provided by this post’s author, Monika Strand: The thank you card from my daughter when I taught her class music. She is 23 now and a music teacher! (from Alyssa’s 4th & 5th Grade Classes Blog)

Take this journey with me. Consider a weekly blog post about your grateful moments inspired by others. I’m into week 6 and it’s been a gratifying experience so far. I’ve laughed and cried out loud as I reflect upon the last 5 decades.

I am 52. I will write all 52 moments to completion. I will have a book when I’m finished, that will offer a glimpse into my life for my kids to treasure. Golden Gratitude. I’ve got this.

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Monika Strand is a wife, mother, entrepreneur at heart, and currently a writer. Follow her Golden Gratitude writing adventure as she recollects inspirational moments in her life.