Do you ever take a step back to realize how fortunate you are? That is one thing that has truly changed my perspective on life. Who we become has a lot to do with where we grow up and the culture we're surrounded by. I was fortunate to be born to middle class parents in the Midwest of the United States. I was surrounded by parents that worked hard for us, and most importantly, loved us unconditionally. I had the opportunity to go to school, and then continue on to University. I am so grateful and fortunate that that was a part of my life and that now I have the opportunity to choose the life that I want to live. Not everybody has that opportunity. Some people are born into a family in rural Laos, that can't afford the $20 usd per year to send their children to school. $20 usd for a year of school! Think about the last time you spent $20 on something. It was probably spent in an hour at a restaurant, or maybe on 2 beers. So these kids grow up not knowing how to read or write, but can only speak their language. This certainly isn't supposed to make you feel guilty about the things you spend your money on, it's just simply to help you take a step back and appreciate the life you were born into. We didn't do anything to get here. Perhaps our parents or grandparents moved to provide a better life for us, but we personally didn't do anything to be born where we were born. If you're reading this on a smart phone, or computer, in the comfort of your air conditioned home, I hope you take a moment to just be grateful. Focus on the positives in your life. It's easy to get lost in the stresses and the negatives surrounding us in our daily lives, but when you take a step back from all of it and take a moment to breathe in and truly appreciate how fortunate you really are, I believe it will bring you so much joy.

Since beginning my travels, I have begun journaling as well as starting my day with gratitude. It helps to keep me grounded and focused on how fortunate I am and to not take a minute of this life I have for granted. I am so thankful for the life I have been born into and this life that I created for myself. I hope you are too. 💕☀️🌸

Habits don't take long to form and I believe that a simple habit as little as waking up each morning and writing down what you're grateful for and what you're going to do to make this day great can certainly put you in a better frame of mind to start your day. ☀️❤️ I hope it helps you like it helped me!