One constant tenet in positive psychology is gratitude. I have tried gratitude journals and the more enjoyable practice of having my family share their favorite moments of the day. This new year I have been approaching gratitude through my lens (thanks in part to a new DSLR from Santa). I stumbled upon this practice accidentally, as I tried to enjoy an endless game of hide and seek with my children. Children are by nature attention seekers, which can be emotionally draining, especially on what feels like day 100 of Christmas break. It’s easy to try to push back and isolate yourself in housework, a good book, or whatever it is you feel you “need to get done.” To appreciate the time, I pulled out my camera and began taking pictures. Immediately, I found myself smiling at their comically bad hiding places, at their antics upon discovery, and how they were getting along so well.
Once I began looking for new photo opportunities, I fell more in love with my environment. As an introvert, home is my recharge station. Like Batman, I have my own cave filled with gadgets of knowledge (i.e. books). One of my favorite book titles is for the prequel to Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, Little Altars Everywhere. This is how I feel about my house, like it is filled with little altars and nests. In fact, I may like it all too much, as the winter break bred in me a deep contentment that has diminished my desire to socialize and explore. Next week, I am hoping the fresh snowfall will give a new canvas of inspiration.
Owls and Olives 