Attitude of Gratitude: April Journal

We’ve come to the end of yet another month.  April was another busy month; scrambling to meet deadlines and to get everything done. In saying that, it was an amazing month filled with lots of holidays which of course constitutes to spending time with family and friends.

Before I get started, let’s just recap why I’ve started this series. I started my first gratitude journal in March. Journaling what I’m grateful for gives me a new perspective on what is important in my life and the things I appreciate and am thankful for.

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough, and more.  It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion to clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.  Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. – Melody Beattie

It is time for me to take a moment to step back and reflect on the month that was and the things that I am grateful for.

Easter

For many Easter is a time for a break away, to have a feast, indulge in chocolate and to celebrate the time with family. Everyone observe this time in their own way. However, what many forget, it’s a time to celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a Christian, I believe that the resurrection is the most crucial part of the Easter celebration. I have hope in the fact that our Savior has risen so that we can receive the gift of eternal life after death.

Family and Friends

Easter and the holidays meant spending quality time with family. The school holiday and public holidays that fell within this month was a blessing as it allowed for much needed time to communicate, laugh, joke and cry with those who mean the most to me.

Birthday Celebration

My husband is one of my greatest blessings from God. I’m thankful for another year that was bestowed on his life. The girls and I are forever grateful to have him in our lives. We are grateful for his love, support, encouragement, patience and that he is such an inspiration to us.

Life and Life Lost

April, 16th was exactly a year since my mother-in-law had a severe heart attack. It was certainly a very stressful time for the entire family but I thank God that she survived it. Her journey remains an ongoing process to stay healthy. She had to make major lifestyle adjustments but she has come a long way.

There comes a point in our life when each one of us will suffer a loss. In my March journal, I indicated that I visited my dad’s brother in hospital. Sadly he passed away within the month of April after a long illness. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to visit him on many occasions.

Time is a precious commodity, therefore it is important to appreciate life and be grateful and appreciative of those who are in our lives. Don’t take your health for granted; be grateful for your health, your able body and sound mind.

Farewell to a Colleague

Saying farewell to a work colleague when they retire or resign is never easy and is often a sad occasion. However I am grateful that I had the privilege to work alongside someone with good work ethic, integrity, who was hardworking and reliable. Her valuable contribution will be sorely missed. I respect her decision to leave and wish her success with her future endeavours.

Freedom Day

As a  South African born during the time of Apartheid, this day is so important to celebrate our country’s democracy and those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. There is no doubt that there are still many challenges and shortcomings in this country. However, I remain hopeful that these will be eradicated in decades to follow.

Exploring Nature

The older I get the more I appreciate the beauty of nature and observing the environment around me has increased. Exploring nature brings a sense of calm and peace over me.

That’s a round up of my April journal. So tell me, what are you grateful for.