I've usually concentrated on the sunsets, beautiful displays of color and light. As the sun drops behind the ridge, often with storm clouds or sometimes smoke in the air, the sky can be breathtaking. The sun sets as I do the evening chores, and a dramatic sunset is often one of the last things I see as I finish up and go back inside.
This post contains affiliate links. Read my disclosure here.
But in the past couple of years I've rediscovered sunrises. Sometimes the sky is bland, blue and cloudless, but other mornings the light is amazing and ever-changing as the sun climbs.
On those mornings I'm often standing on the porch, barefoot and shivering in the morning chill, taking photos of the new day before the perfect light disappears. Timing is everything; in the minutes it would take to find shoes and a jacket, the moment would be gone.
I love watching the changing sky as the sun reaches toward the horizon. Minute by minute the color changes.
Sometimes sunbeams spread from the horizon to the heavens.



People who practice gratitude seem to be both happier and healthier. Erin Olivo, a clinical psychologist and Columbia University assistant clinical professor of medical psychology, says that people who have the 'trait' of gratefulness "have stronger social connections and stronger relationships. There’s some evidence that people who are more optimistic or have a grateful attitude have higher immune functioning."
Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project, writes: "Gratitude brings freedom from envy, because when you’re grateful for what you have, you’re not consumed with wanting something different or something more. That, in turn, makes it easier to live within your means and also to be generous to others." Thankfulness breeds contentment.
How can you live a thankful life?
- Look small: focus on the little things that make you smile: a child's gift of a dandelion flower, or shoes that fit just right and are oh, so comfortable.
- Change your focus: instead of complaining about all the dirty dishes to wash, be thankful that you have food to eat and to nourish your body.
- Make it a habit: identify something you're thankful for every day. Write it down in a notebook or your daily planner. Experts say that it takes 21 days to form a new habit, so if you can keep it up during the entire month of November, chances are you'll have a new life-habit!
November Thankfulness Challenge
Join me each day in November as I post on Instagram and Facebook about being thankful. I challenge you to post about something you're thankful for each day in November. You can use any social platform you prefer. There's no penalty if you don't manage to do it everyday, but why not give it a try? Use the hashtag #thankfulgratefulblessed so I can see your posts.
Or use the quick-and-easy, no-photo-needed method: comment on my posts with what you're thankful for that day. I'd love to know!
If you're not following me on Instagram yet, you can find me here. If you prefer to follow along on Facebook, you can "Like" and follow the Oak Hill Homestead Facebook page here to see the daily updates.

~~~~~
My mission is to inspire and encourage you to live a simple, joyful life,
no matter your circumstances or where you live. Join me here:
Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Subscribe
Thank you for sharing all of those gorgeous pictures! I often miss our sunrises, and since we are downhill from our neighbors, and their house, trees and barn line the hill, I don't get to see a whole lot of it. But we have the most amazing sunsets here! They are definitely something to be thankful for! Love the idea of a Thankfulness challenge! It's good to remind ourselves of all the wonderful things in our lives!
ReplyDeleteDanielle, I'm fortunate to be able to see both the sunrise and sunset from our home, even though the sun rises behind some pretty tall oak trees.
DeleteIt truly is a good thing to remember how much we have to be thankful for.
Terrific perspective, Kathi.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful that you have shared your blog articles at The Clever Chicks Blog Hop for so many years. I appreciate you!
Thank you, Kathy. It has been a good many years, hasn't it?
DeleteIt has been a blur! lol Good times for sure. ♥
DeleteYour sunrise photos are beautiful, Kathi, as is this post! I really like your challenge, and have done a couple of days here and there. I do keep a gratitude journal on a regular basis, and I totally agree that thankfulness is key. The Happiness Project is one of my favourite books as well. Thank you so much for sharing this post with Hearth and Soul!! Sharing around, and I hope lots of people will take part!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, April. I'm glad you're taking part. :-)
DeleteIt's a pleasure, Kathi! I haven't managed every day, but I've done a few! I just wanted to let you know that I'm featuring this post at the Hearth and Soul Link party, along with your Instagram Challenge! Thank you again for sharing.
DeleteThank you so much for the feature, April! I'm glad it inspired you to post a few times, I've enjoyed reading them.
DeleteMy neighbor takes sunrise and sunset shots and I always enjoy seeing her photos. Everyday I tell myself 10 things I am thankful for. They may be minor things but important to me and a good reminder. Found you on Simple Homestead Blog Hop.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting, Candy. I enjoy the posts you share each week at the hop.
DeleteKathi, I came over on April's recommendation at #HearthAndSoul. Love your photos. I'm a longtime sky watcher and fan of sunrises (which keeps me from complaining too much about waking up unnecessarily early every day!). I'm not on either Facebook or Instagram (just Twitter), but I shall think of your #thankfulgratefulblessed when I count my blessings each day.
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to "meet" someone who also loves watching the beautiful sky, Jean. Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. :-)
Delete