I started my #30 Days of Gratitude writing challenge with good intentions, but life had other plans. Things got busy and I found it challenging to keep up with my writing and blog. After today’s post, I’ll be shifting into December. I am looking forward to writing about whatever inspires me and hopefully my words will match with the photo I take along the way.

Before Thanksgiving came a family member sent some questions that their pastor at their church suggested one should start at the dinner table. Instead of questioning each member of my family, I decided to answer these questions about me and just post them on here. I mean, why not, right? Feel free to answer these questions and leave them on a comment on here.

1.) How do I practice gratitude? I practice gratitude by taking a few minutes each day to reflect on the things that I am grateful for. I express my appreciation by a simple ‘thank you’ or a heartfelt conversation.

2.) Has anyone surprised me lately? Yes.

3.) Would I rather have (10) new friends or reconnect with an old friend? I would rather reconnect with an old friend. There is just something special about the history and shared experiences we have. It’s comforting to pick up where we left off. I cherish the depth of our bond. New friends are great, but I find that rekindling an old friendship can bring back a sense of nostalgia and understanding that is hard to replicate.

4.) In my opinion – what makes someone a good person? Someone who shows kindness and compassion to others. Someone who is empathetic, understanding, and recognizes that everyone is struggling in their own way and being there to help them through whatever they are struggling with. A good person stands by their values, is honest, open-minded, and willing to put forth an effort vs not.

5.) Questions that I would ask Jesus if He was to walk into the room I am in today, would be: What does it truly mean to love someone unconditionally? How can I have that in my daily life? How can I strengthen my belief and trust during difficult times? How can I truly let go of the hurt from others who are supposed to love me for me? What’s the best way to discover and follow my true calling? What message do you want me to share with the world today?

6.) If I had to get rid of electricity, what would I do for fun? I would spend more time outdoors – hiking, biking, exploring the unknown, read more books while swaying on a hammock in the warm summer or curled up by the fire at night, write more (journaling, scrapbooking, story-telling), play board games/puzzle with the kids, or learn to cook on a grill (still no idea on how to cook on a grill).

7.) What do I wish I had more time for? Deep cleaning and reorganizing my whole house, spending time with family and making new friends (new place and no friends), travel the world, reading, and learning more about me.

8.) What is the hardest thing I have done? Walking away from something that I really cared a lot for. Walking away from a passion has felt like I have let the whole world down. Maybe I did it for self-love, but it has really totally made me self-reflect for sure.

9.) Where do I feel safest? Home.

10.) What is (1) thing I currently regret? Not pursuing my work career when things were definitely simpler.

11.) What am I most proud of? My personal growth. Over the years (and currently) have/am facing challenges that have tested my character and strength. I value the connections that I have and take pride in my ability to pursue my passions and interests. I love pushing myself to grow, learn, and explore new avenues.