gratitude

I thought I'd start with a gratitude list. I've been feeling incredibly lucky and blessed in life right now. It feels like I'm in the right place for once and I want to hold on to that. And, well, it's Thanksgiving week so all the cool kids are doing it.

• I'm grateful for finding the love of my life
• I'm grateful for steps I've taken to care for myself
• I'm grateful for gel manicures
• I'm grateful that I'm close with my parents
• I'm grateful for friends I can trust no matter what

I keep reading how important it is to keep gratitude top of mind. It's working for me. Lately, I feel lighter, unburdened. Also, I'm realizing, life is not about being perfect (which is something I've had trouble letting go of since birth)... it's about being here. I'm less likely to get down about the little things if I'm not expecting things to always be a certain way.

getting started...

I've thought about starting a blog for years, but I've been too scared. I'm constantly self-editing- afraid of what others will think, afraid I won't be good enough. I've been challenging myself lately to just trust my creativity. Maybe I've been reading some creativity unleashing self-help books...maybe now just is the time. So here it is.

I want to use this as a place to talk about everything. I know that's broad and most blogs are more focused but I've tried writing about running or about weddings specifically and I've gotten distracted too quickly.

Here's my story- I'm Danielle, a late twenty something with a handsome fiancé and the cutest puppy on the planet. We live in the suburbs-- after living in the city for 6 years I'm still surprised I made the move but I love it.  I just left my (somewhat) cushy magazine marketing job for a startup that has me feeling inspired for the first time in a long time.  We are planning our wedding and saving to buy a house.  I'm inspired by photography, passionate people, teachers, my parents. I love organization, weddings, the color purple. I talk fast and loud when I'm excited-- my fiancé thinks its cute but I think it's embarrassing. My family and I are incredibly close.

This blog won't be perfect, but I hope you'll read along :)