A Celebration of Life: Gratitude with guest Brandi of NYAO

April 14, 2011

Posted 09/12

Readers, please welcome Brandi from Not Your Average Ordinary, one of my very favorite people in the blogosphere! She is such an inspiration to follow, and I am so grateful to her for being a guest here! She has graciously written this post while I am away on baby break to continuing the celebration of life week!

The celebration of life begins with your first thought in the morning, an abundance of gratitude that no single sentence could contain, gratitude for all the wonderful things in your life.

I’ve no doubt that for many mothers, the first thing they hear in the morning is a child’s cry or a voice that has found its way into your room, because you are the most comforting thing in the world. You can forget to take that moment of gratitude, especially when all you want are those few extra minutes of sleep.

The celebration happens throughout the day, whether you’re spinning in a field drenched in sunlight…or curled up indoors with a book, watching the rain smear the colors outside and shower the world with diamonds, if briefly.

All you have to do is keep your eyes open, laugh through the hard times, be thankful, and find your ways to turn your misfortunes into opportunities. It’s not always easy to do, but let’s face it: there isn’t a single party or celebration that goes the way you expect it to go. Very often, it’s better.

{first image by Marie Hochhaus, second images by Lieke Romeijn, third image by Bator Horvath}

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Elisse says:

April 14, 2011 at 5:02 pm

Inspiring guest post!

Being open to finding opportunity from misfortune can be challenging, but embracing that process can result in some unexpected surprises 🙂

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magdalena viktoria says:

April 14, 2011 at 5:18 pm

this was very beautiful 🙂

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christine {bijouandboheme} says:

April 14, 2011 at 5:20 pm

What a beautiful post- exactly how I’m feeling as the sun is streaming in my open door at the moment- happy!!

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Lori says:

April 14, 2011 at 5:37 pm

Very beautiful! Love all the pictures 🙂

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Amanda says:

April 14, 2011 at 6:25 pm

Oh I love her blog! I read it all the time…I feel the same way as long as the sun lasts around here 🙂

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Heather says:

April 14, 2011 at 7:48 pm

Such a beautiful post! I love images, and thoughts behind them. Blessings!

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Erin {pughs' news} says:

April 14, 2011 at 9:06 pm

Not surprised that Brandi’s words are as lovely and inspiring as this!

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allthingsami says:

April 14, 2011 at 11:01 pm

brandi’s posts are so sweet + inspired. i’m a firm believer of practicing gratuity every moment you get. great post. lovely site you have here.

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Alisha says:

April 15, 2011 at 1:49 am

This post is absolutely beautiful, and the pictures too are breath-taking. Loving Brandi! Thanks for sharing her Anna 🙂 🙂

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ApachesPrincess says:

April 15, 2011 at 2:46 am

What a beautiful post with lovely pictures! Stunning, and it’s important to take a step back and enjoy the simple things in life! Thank you!

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Tamara Nicole says:

April 15, 2011 at 4:04 am

This is so beautiful and inspiring! Pssst I wear my necklace from your shop all the time, looove!

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Claire says:

April 15, 2011 at 4:25 am

I was moved by that piece. I have to remind myself that life has it’s own momentum. I don’t have to push it.
Thanks, and have a happy baby break,
Claire

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Kara Cartisciano says:

April 15, 2011 at 7:10 am

Just what I needed! sigh…it’s been one of those weeks.

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Chic 'n Cheap Living says:

April 15, 2011 at 7:38 am

What gorgeous sentiments! Happy weekend with the family dear!

xoxo,
Chic ‘n Cheap Living

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Drew {Coral Cafe} says:

April 15, 2011 at 11:39 am

Love these words!! Hope Anna and lil Veronica are doing great! ;))) I’m sure you’re still on cloud 9!!

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bink and boo says:

April 15, 2011 at 4:16 pm

Brandi this is beautiful. You words are soothing and encouraging…thank you.

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Sarah says:

April 15, 2011 at 6:10 pm

I love the reminder about the first moments, and particularly the reality faced by moms. Sometimes it’s easy to get frustrated and ignore the possibility of (sleep-deprived) joy. I needed the reminder. 🙂

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Jo says:

April 19, 2011 at 8:03 pm

Such beautiful and inspiring words, and such beautiful images to match. Brandi’s blog is one of my daily reads, so I followed her here. 😉 So happy I did!

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