A quick reminder that one week from today—next Sunday, February 1—we’ll start tracking FIGs. For more information, here are all the details about our online gratitude crew.
The world has felt especially heavy lately. Every time I check the news, there’s some new horror or injustice. It makes complete sense that so many of us are feeling burdened by it.
This practice won’t remove that weight—the things happening have very real consequences. But I do hope this offers a tiny respite, a moment of hope, and that our collective focus on gratitude creates a ripple effect that reaches the people around us.
Let’s practice! Five FIGs from my day:
- John made it out of Canada last Sunday hours before a major storm hit—and made it back into Canada yesterday, hours ahead of another storm.
- I woke up at 4 am and had some quality quiet time with my wide-awake jet-lagged husband… and then managed to fall back into a delightful sleep.
- It’s –25°C with the windchill: how fortunate I am to have a warm home. I wore tights under my pants yesterday and today. I have warm socks on my feet.
- I have leftovers in the fridge. This means no cooking after we get home from church today!
- I set up the robot vacuum this morning. Heading into Monday (which will almost certainly be yet another snow day) with clean floors feels like a tiny but meaningful win.
Your turn. Tell me five FIGs from your day so far—or from your week.
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Let’s see how many I can come up with.
1. My “this is ridiculous I am 57 and on HRT” period finished, and I feel more like myself.
2. I gave blood yesterday, which always makes me feel good. Emotionally, at least: I did take it easy the rest of the day as I was feeling wobbly.
3. As almost half the US is under terrible weather, I am so grateful to be in Florida, where the most we have to complain about is high humidity.
Well, three is better than nothing!
Gold stars for donating blood!!!!
I wish I was dealing with humidity right now! Alas, it is FRIGID outside and we’re set to get a giant dumping of snow.
I’ll dig deep and find some FIGs.
1) we had a cold weather cancellation of school so my kids could stay home and recuperate.
2)My big kids are helpful and look after their sister on snow days. She’s mostly good anymore, but random acts of destruction or eating do occur.
3) The meeting with the PCP about the daughters cpap got moved up- i got the new appointment offer via text the night before, which was cool. It saved ten days of waiting.We got reassurance that things are going well.
4) Due to the weather, all the basketball games were canceled for the weekend, so we can stay home.
5) The big thing- my son who walked out of our lives for the most part three years ago came home. He’ll use time with us to reset, rest, and save money. It may not be easy, but this has been a heavy weight on my heart. Such a blessing and joy to have him home.
These are some BIG FIGs. I’m so glad you’ve had some level of restoration with your son. I hope and pray his time at home goes smoothly for all.
Stay safe (and warm) in this weather!
It has been a bit of a heavy week here, too, with all of us fighting a virus. My FIGS:
1. We do not have the flu. Thank God.
2. Watching the third Hobbit movie as a family last night, always fun.
3. In advance of the snowstorm we ordered extra blankets for the living room, and my cat deigned to sleep on my lap, under the blanket (because if he’s on top of the blanket everyone sees what a softie he really is). He’s not a snuggly cat, so this was very sweet.
4. A warm house, plenty of supplies laid in, and no pipes frozen.
5. We still have power even after 12 inches of snow in the last 8 hours.
I had to chuckle as Belle is downstairs watching a Lord of the Rings movie right now.
Awww. What a sweet moment with your cat.
Hooray for warmth, safe pipes, and staying out of bad weather.
This week has been ROUGH. I’ll see what I can do.
1. Obviously, my meet up with Allison on Thursday was AMAZING.
2. My husband and I went to a protest against the authoritarian regime in the US yesterday, and being with like minded folks, and hearing people in cars honk their support is a tiny balm against the anxiety and rage.
3. That people are out there with their phones recording this (I swore, but removed it out of respect because this is YOUR blog not mine) means that at least some people cannot pretend that these people were under attack.
4. I bought 100 postcard stamps on Friday, so I will be sending political postcards again very soon.
5. Had a really nice dinner with my husband and daughter on Friday. And the weather here is California weather, so while the heater is on right now, it’s definitely NOT cold. (Current temp at 8:22 am – 42F, 6C)
I’m so glad you got to meet up with a very cool blogger!!!
I want your California weather.
Each day brings fresh horrors and shock, but I’m glad there are people willing to stand up (at great risk) against injustice.
Yes, it is especially important to look for FIGS during hard times.
1. I’m going to see my parents today, and I’m grateful that they are close by and healthy.
2. I found fresh blueberries at the grocery store, and they were so delicious! They were perfectly ripe, firm, but not too firm, and so flavorful.
3. It’s a cold day, but the sun is shining.
4. I’m reading an excellent book called Inhale, Exhale by Nicole MadPherson. Maybe you’ve heard of her?
5. Reading your post lifted my spirits. You are definitely one of my FIGS!
Fresh fruit that is good is a joy like no other!
My book isn’t set to arrive for a few weeks 🙁 I have FOMO, but I’m delighted to hear about people settling in and enjoying Nicole’s book.
Have a wonderful visit with your parents. And enjoy the sunshine. It makes SUCH a difference in the doldrums of winter.
So important to find some FIGs right now. Here goes:
1.My roof was replaced this weekend and the job went smooth
2.Finished Nicole’s book Inhale, Exhale this morning – no spoilers from me 🙂
3.Met up with my book club yesterday and am looking forward to reading our newest selection
4.Made roasted, salted almonds and they are making the house smell so good
5.My neighbour’s Romanian mother-in-law dropped off cabbage rolls for us to enjoy tonight for dinner
You finished the book!!!! SO EXCITING! My copy isn’t going to arrive until early February, and I can’t wait.
I just loved all these FIGs, Jacquie. Such a great mix of practical, delicious, and bibliophilic.
I am looking forward to the practice in February… we need some joyful things to keep going. Here are five FIGs of this week:
– I went for a beautifully sunny long run on Saturday
– I got to “peloton” (yes, that’s a verb!) with friends this weekend
– I baked fresh bread
– I had a very productive day at work on Thursday
– I got confirmation that my friend will visit me in March
P.S. I wanted you to know, I always check the “email me new comments” button, but I never receive emails when you reply.
Virtual high fives for all these positive things, San!
Argh. I swear I fix one thing (I had issues with my blog commenting for a while) and another breaks. Argh. I will see if I can get to the bottom of this. Thanks for letting me know.
So… I did a bit of digging. I’m using Jetpack (I was having commenting issues so the developer than helps me do a few things suggested I go with Jetpack comments) and apparently it will only notify people who are signed in using their WordPress account when they leave comments?
*Sigh*
I’ll try to remember to ask on Friday if people who are signed in using their WordPress account (and not commenting as a guest) get notification of the replies?
Thanks for looking into this. This is very interesting! I have a WordPress Account (which I could use and which I am using on other WordPress blogs), but I don’t see a way on your blog to sign in with a WordPress account. Your comment form only gives me the option to put in Email, Name and Website (optional). I am using the same email that I am using for my WordPress Account but I am not actually logging into my account when I comment here. Does that make sense?
It makes sense and I have absolutely no idea how to fix this. ARGH. I’m sorry, friend. I’ll see if I can figure it out, but I have little faith in myself- haha.
Well, here goes my best shot at five FIGs. It’s tough.
1. My husband’s doctor seems to be taking his rhabdo recurrence seriously. He’s getting a series of blood tests done next week and hopefully we can figure out a plan forward.
2. Our immersion blender broke recently and we bought a new one with a food processor and it is lifechanging. I didn’t know I needed a food processor until I got one.
3. We took down the Christmas tree and all the holiday decorations (sad), but that means the living room has a lot more space and the cat has been having zoomies there and it’s SO CUTE. Don’t call Zelda a “senior cat” – she’s a kitten.
4. We had a fun morning watching old music videos.
5. I have crossed off all the things on my to-do list and have an entire hour to read a book.
Engie, you did it!!! You came up with FIVE FIGs.
I’m so glad that Dr. BB is getting good treatment and that they’re taking this seriously. I sincerely wish you weren’t going through this again, but I am so glad you have someone that is on the ball.
I hope the time reading a book was absolutely delightful.
Great practice in advance of FIG month!
1. My oldest got a great point for his Latin test. I’m so happy for him that our homework planning practice is paying off! And proud of him for putting the hours in, given that he has dyslexia having 6 languages in his curriculum at the moment it’s hard!
2. Got the confirmation for the little walking holiday in doing with my kids and mom in a month
3. Went out for a long walk with my youngest and another friend to break in her new walking shoes. There wasn’t a whole lot of whining, so proud of her too!
4. I took sandwiches, fruit and candy on the walk and my back was fine! I even had enough energy to cook afterwards!
5. Ballroom dancing lesson.
SIX languages?
Right?? I can barely speak one competently!
I’m with Allison – SIX LANGUAGES??? I can barely speak one…
And ballroom dancing lessons. Wow, I need to up my ante 😉
I don’t even know how to form a disclaimer before these.
1. Julie Julie Julie OBVIOUSLY.
2. Time away with my husband with some sun (but not suffocating heat) and no snow.
3. Ordered Nicole’s book.
4. Exciting job news for Angus that I can share SOON.
5. This community
I am so excited that you and Julie got to hang out together. I know it was a last-minute pivot in plans and what a happy result of that change.
I can’t wait to hear about Angus’ news!
YAY FOR NICOLE’S BOOK. Mine *should* arrive in early February.
Yes, this community is such a bright spot in my day <3
I’m thankful:
– I also got home right before the winter storm.
– For the nice family time this storm has allowed.
– to be back with my family, this is the longest I’ve ever left them.
– Yummy food
– Ways to stay warm
There are almost always positive things about winter storms, one of them forced family time.
Stay safe (and warm)!
[…] Collective again. I was going to name this post “Bright Spots” but decided to follow in Elisabeth’s footsteps and make it FIGS before February instead. I think FIGs (Finding Joy in Gratitude) are going to be a […]
Here goes:
1. The doctor checked dad’s lungs this morning and they are all clear after his bout of pneumonia
2. I have finally shaken off the bug that he had and now just have a lingering cough which isn’t too bad. Mum is over hers too.
3. Due to above I am now at home.
4. It’s Australia Day so we have a public holiday
5. Tonight is family dinner night (no E, but the girls will be here)
Melissa, I am SO happy to hear this update about your father. I know it has been a stressful, difficult time. What a horrible set of bugs circulating this year. Everyone seems to be so sick and it lingers.
Enjoy the family dinner! Will there be some puzzling together??
I know, it feels insane – he has Latin, Greek, French, German, English and Dutch. 3 or 4 is definitely more common. Dutch and English are obligatory over here.
Europeans are much more dedicated when it comes to learning multiple languages! You put us North Americans to shame!
I agree that a gratitude practice can create ripple effects to people around us. It also reminds us how lucky we are- most of our problems are not real, terrible problems. And- reframing. As you said, it’s freezing cold there. Thank goodness you have a warm house! It’s now Monday morning… let’s see, five FIGS.
1. Earl Grey tea 9seriously- why is is so good! And so soothing.)
2. In spite of my complaining about the heat, we probably have the best weather in the whole country right now.
3. New kitten!
4. New kitten!
5. New kitten! She obviously counts three times.
A new kitten. This is just beyond exciting. I hope you convince your husband of your need to keep her <3
I wish I was in Florida right now, let me tell you! So much snow here, Jenny, and it's bitterly cold to boot.
It is very heavy here in Minneapolis indeed. Sigh. But here are some glimmers:
1. At my OTF class today, the coach has gotten to know me well enough over the last several months to know I’m a reader so she asked what I was reading. It’s nice to start to establish a little bit of a community of sorts at OTF.
2. Yesterday I took the boys to an indoor playground to run off some energy. They played without me needing to intervene for over 2 hours which meant I could focus on writing a blog post and reading SHU’s book!
3. It’s going to be 14F today. I mean it was -10F this morning when I left the house so it’s still bitterly cold but it helps to know it’s going to warm up above zero. It’s been horribly cold.
4. Frugal Girls post. I am giving her all the gold stars for using her platform to speak out about the unjust happenings. It takes some serious guts to do that so I commend her.
5. I had a body scan this morning before my OTF class which meant I couldn’t eat or – dear God – have coffee before class. I programmed my coffee maker to brew the coffee so it would be ready when I got home. And boy did it taste AMAZING!!
Yay for finding another reader <3
I am so proud of Kristen. She really is an inspiration.
Nicole would be DYING about having to skip coffee. Hooray for having it ready-made when you got home!
Nothing makes me happier than leftovers in the fridge ready for me to eat (and keep the kitchen clean)! I’ll be copying you with some tights under my pants and I love that you had some beautiful time with your jet lagged husband;). Reading this brightened my day, thank you!
I LOVE leftovers. We had them yesterday and today and there are still things ready for TOMORROW.
The tights under pants thing works so well (they’re like heavy nylons, not running tights, but it works like a charm).
I am late to this, but here are mine:
1. A weekend where I got to be cosy and not go out.
2. Baking a tasty loaf of bread.
3. Discovering a course I want to do.
4. Making it to the gym.
5. Going to the cinema with a friend this evening 🙂
There is no “too late” – the more FIGs the better.
Hope the movie was great; what did you go see?
Eternity! Highly recommend 🙂
Thanks!!!
Great timing for John, coming and going!
I spent an entire day with my grandson, daughter, and husband. JOY OVERLOAD!
I made huge strides on an organizational project.
I made huge decisions on a design project.
I’m going to bed earlier and reading until I can’t keep my eyes open.
I’ve not had any huge needs/deadlines this week, and I love it.
Joy overload indeed, and soon to be doubled with a granddaughter! Suz, your heart must be exploding right now.
Hooray for decisions made, early bedtimes, and a week that doesn’t feel overstuffed with responsibility.
Ooh, this will be good practice for February. I’m looking forward to FIG February!
1) An official diagnosis – it’s not ideal to have a chronic autoimmune condition, but it is a relief that I will finally not be in pain all of the time.
2) PREDNISONE – a wonder drug
3) Really liking my rheumatologist and the office as a whole. I’m always worried I’m going to get a doctor who doesn’t listen or rushes me through the appointment.
4) Colder weather! It’s been nice to wake up to weather in the 30s/40s this week. (A warm-up for you northerners, ha.)
5) Recording podcast episodes again. We haven’t recorded in over 2 months!
I have only taken prednisone twice but it was AMAZING (though definitely has side effects!). I’m so glad you’re getting some pain relief.
Ha. Come up to my place and then we’ll talk about cold weather. It’s in the -20Cs today!