I didn’t sleep well last night, so woke at my usual 6am still tired and a bit grumpy. However, when I pulled back the curtains to reveal a bright and dry morning I was instantly awake and lifted. “Hello beautiful day!” I said aloud. The pond area had to be set out today ready to be dug tomorrow and I was incredibly grateful that it wasn’t raining (at least not then) 🙏🏻

A friend wanted to come and stay with me next week as she wanted to go to the annual Gypsy Fair but I told her I was too busy. Her reply was that I needed to “have more FUN!” but she doesn’t understand – I’m loving every second of creating my new garden and if there’s a choice between spending my time in nature or with 30,000 people, many of whom are drunk, watching horses be mistreated it’s not exactly a difficult decision for me to make.

I couldn’t decide whether to have marmalade, blueberry conserve or lemon curd on my breakfast toast. “How lucky am I to have a choice?” I said to myself, so thankful for the delicious and varied food in my fridge.

Pond preparation activity in the garden didn’t disturb the birds or an inquisitive field vole. House Sparrows, Chaffinches, Gold Finches, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Dunnocks, Pigeons, a Robin, Blackbirds, even a fledgeling Song Thrush, arrived for breakfast. The male and female Woodpeckers made their daily visit, Swallows swooped and chittered overhead and a Curlew pecked for breakfast in the distant field behind. My gratitude for the wildlife by which I’m surrounded is felt each and every day.

As usual on a Sunday, brunch was eaten at my local cafe. “Hiya!” smiled Sarah, the owner, “usual drinks?” I’m grateful for my close knit community and to be known.

I reserve a table for next Friday, looking forward to seeing a friend and catching up. I’m grateful for our decade long relationship.

I’ve run out of butter, so drive the 3 miles to town along pretty country lanes, only held up by a Pheasant escorting her 10 chicks across the tarmac. The flanking Fells look bonny today and, as always, I am thankful for this stunning valley in which I live.

Work carried on in the garden during the afternoon, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant colour. The Perennial Cornflowers are out in bloom, alongside Forget-Me-Nots, pink Chives, Skimmia, Apple and Pyracantha blossom, Strawberry flowers, Granny’s Bonnet, scented Lilac, wild Red Campion, simple Daisies and my Cosmos flowers grown from seed. I am grateful for this tranquil and private space.

I sink into a hot bath, the water soothing my aching muscles and partially dislocated knee which had popped out when I knelt on a stone in the garden then was cajoled back in again. I spent years only being able to bathe once a fortnight, often fainting when I got out of the tub as my blood pressure tanked, and never take this luxury for granted.

I spend some time in meditation, connected through energy and consciousness to all things.

I’m typing this from a warm and comfortable bed, a cool breeze coming in through the slightly open patio door, watching the sun dip over the distant fells. The Meadow Foxtail, dotted with Meadow Buttercups, is on fire and the scene takes my breath away. Grateful doesn’t even begin to describe my feelings.

When you’re living an authentic life, in harmonising flow and vibration and being the truest version of yourself, mindfulness isn’t a practice which has to be learned. Gratitude isn’t something which needs to be cultivated. I never have to remind myself to be thankful for my blessings. I so appreciate my beautiful life that it is never taken for granted. I wish the same for you 🙏🏻