GRATITUDE: A CONSCIOUS STEP FORWARD
“i have / what i have / and i am happy / i’ve lost / what i’ve lost / and i am still happy”
– rupi kaur
Over the last few weeks, since I published this post on anxiety, I have been really working on taking some time for myself to consider the things I am grateful for.
This has meant revisiting things I might have been taking for granted such as the availability of rhythmic breathing exercises on my Headspace app, calling my Mam on the phone every few mornings even just for a few minutes to see how she is and chatting with my Dad about his day, cooking delicious food at home with loved ones, snuggling under blankets and spending time with or talking to those I care about; generally surrounding myself with the people who are positive lights in my life.
It has also meant pushing myself to try new things such as eating food in places I have always spoken about trying but, never actually tried (as I am typing this I am thankful for my life in Galway which allows me to eat in places like this). I’ve also been grabbing tea with new people, and following up on the casual, ‘we should go for lunch’, that is dropped in conversation.
“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
― Marcel Proust
This week I crossed Kai off my list here in Galway and treated myself. I had always wanted to go and when Baiba suggested it on a whim, I went with it. I’m trying to do that a little more. On that same day we strolled along the beach in Salthill and I walked to the lighthouse for the first time. Walking along the beach with a belly full of sustainable and locally sourced food with a like-minded human made me feel grateful for the world around us, especially the ocean. I’ve been reflecting on our impact on the planet a great deal recently and I want to help make a difference. Baiba is thinking of doing a beach clean up and I’m eager to help her. I’m constantly inspired by the people around me who take the goodness in their hearts and shine it outwards, they are truly exceptional.
Likewise I am becoming more conscious of how I spend my time, and how I fit in with the routines of other people. I caught a bus out to my friend Joules house this week on Galentine’s Day and set myself the goal of getting there on time. A small step towards a more conscious life for myself and others. I missed the stop and she picked me up, a lesson that trying is better than holding yourself back for fear of failing. We had a wonderful day and I completely forgot it was pancake Tuesday but managed to gobble up some home-made cinnamon buns instead. I washed that down with two cups of herbal tea, and chatted with Joules and Kenny about empathy, compassion and how we treat others.
Oh, and not to disregard the brilliant human company on the day but I also met Julia’s cats for the first time in person! Robyn was off somewhere mooching about but Watson graced us with his photogenic presence for the pricey sum of some crunchy treats and a few chin scratches. He has a good system going which I’m impressed with, I’m learning to be assertive and he taught me the way.
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
― Epicurus
Animals bring me so much joy, and I am so thankful for them and my interaction with them growing up. In fact, being with Watson and Julia in this fairy tale room reminded me of my own childhood. I am grateful for the life I have had so far, the hard work and kindness of my parents, the animals, vegetable gardens and their influence which runs through the fabric of my being. As we get older we stray away from that part of ourselves where we play, explore, and create. I’m grateful for my ability to bounce back and make new things with an open heart even when I’ve felt shattered.
And, I am grateful for the people in my life who make every day a little brighter. Those who I spend time with often and those who are further away. The kindness of those who are willing to help; this week I got some beautiful socks, made a new friend who I went for vegan cake with, and received a membership card for The Burren Nature Sanctuary. I was humbled by these acts of kindness, and the people who instigated them. I am surrounded by beautiful people.
These feelings I have been having, is why I wanted to write a post about some of the things I am grateful for. I’m thankful for so much, and many small little things that I might neglect on a daily basis. I’m starting to really breathe the air, stretch out my limbs, listen to music, read my favourite poems, marvel at trees and watch new space discoveries online. I’m trying to be present, to put down the phone more, to taste the food before virtually consuming it. I was motivated by these lovely vegan socks from Conscious Step. Each pair is partnered with an organisation for good in order to fight poverty; some socks feed those who are hungry, others plant trees, deliver life saving medication, give books, or provide water. The beautiful blue ones I wore when snuggled at Joules house protect our oceans, clearly influenced by my early week strolls along the wild Atlantic way. Our oceans are suffering from pollution – plastic, straws, coffee cups, and shopping bags are all in there, destroying wildlife and the ecosystem, but we have the power to change that. These little socks which arrived in minimal cardboard only packaging are a step in the right direction.
“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”
― Maya Angelou
I wanted to share Conscious Step with you all because their products are made with the animals, people and planet in mind. As always, I only feature companies and people who are doing something a little bit special for the world around us. Sustainability is at the core of what they do. Made with Fairtrade cotton, 100% vegan and animal friendly, manufactured in an ethical sweatshop free environment and incredibly comfortable, these socks are here to last and be loved by all.
Conscious Step sheds light on all the wonderful organisations who are trying to make the world a safer, fairer and more equal place for others. They give back to the planet, rather than taking from it.
We need more of that in this world right now, we are running out of time and how we use it, is vital. We are a world of take, with little give. Gratitude for the earth, the ocean and all it’s inhabitants will allow us to realise what we have previously taken for granted. There is so much beauty out there, if we open our eyes to it. There is beauty in the every day also, and we can find it in the smallest of places. Early morning sunshine, when there is just enough hot water in the kettle for your tea, and while you sit in comfy socks, a big jumper and leggings with people you care about.
This has been a week of firsts and new personal challenges. I urge you to take a conscious step forward, who knows what impact you will have on the world and those around you. Every step counts.
Keep your eyes on my Instagram for a chance to win your own pair of Conscious Step socks, I’ll be sharing some more images from this shoot and telling you how you can win a pair for you and someone you love, I’m there @papermachemind
You can follow Conscious Step on Instagram // Facebook // Twitter
Ordinary purchase. Extraordinary purpose.
Photos by the wonderful @lovejoules
P A P E R M A C H E M I N D | I N S T A G R A M | T W I T T E R | F A C E B O O K
