What’s Thriving

Note from Jamie

I like to share things that light me up, fill me with joy, and make my life easier. Nothing is sponsored. These are just things that are helping me along my journey.

What’s Thriving

I was at the Milwaukee Night Market last night, which came after events in Rockford, Illinois on Friday and Saturday and another event back here in Wisconsin on Sunday.

My mind is feeling it.

My body is definitely feeling it.

When I sat down with my journal this morning, I was fully prepared to write about how exhausted and overwhelmed I am. I could have easily spiraled into the long list of everything that needs my attention, everything I need to catch up on, and everything I should be doing today.

But then I opened my journal and saw today's prompt:

“Focusing on what's thriving creates more of what you want. Free-write about what's thriving in your life. Let this exercise spark joy and gratitude for all that you have. Joy is the ultimate creator.”

Okay. I'll take the invitation.

And I'm so glad I did.

Instead of focusing on everything that feels hard right now, I spent a few minutes writing about what is good. What is working. What is bringing me joy.

Today is my mom's birthday. Happy Birthday, Mom! 🎉

I wrote about how incredibly grateful I am for my parents. They always show up for me—and for Scott and Emma. They support me. They encourage me. They cheer for me. I don't take that love for granted.

I wrote about how grateful I am to belong to such a wonderful community.

My fellow makers. My amazing customers. The people who invite me into their shops, markets, events, homes, and lives. The people who stop by my booth and tell me about the Nourish products they love.

I get to spend my days surrounded by people who are kind, creative, generous, and supportive.

That's pretty special.

I wrote about getting my hair cut yesterday and how good my hair always looks when my stylist curls it. I received several compliments throughout the day.

How nice it is to feel beautiful.

I wrote about the Milwaukee Brewers mascots and cheerleaders being at the Night Market last night. While I was filming a little Instagram video to announce that I was there, Bernie Brewer came up behind me and surprised me by joining in.

What a hoot!

And I wrote about how much I love surprise delights—those unexpected little moments that make an ordinary day feel a little more magical.

I wrote about several other things, too.

And here's the funny thing:

Nothing about my circumstances changed.

I'm still tired.

My body is still sore.

There is still a very long list of things waiting for me today.

But I changed.

My mood changed. My perspective changed. The way I am going to walk into this day changed.

All because I spent a few minutes paying attention to what is already good.

Gratitude really does change everything.