This past April, I bought a gratitude journal… my first ever.
I bought it because I could feel myself slipping into a darker place as the pandemic rode its first wave – isolating me from friends and family, cancelling all my art shows (which meant most of my income), and cancelling my planned travel. My thoughts were consumed with loss, disappointment and the anxiety around finding a new way forward. I was struggling to see any positive in all of it. But I thought if I had to write down 5 things for which I’m thankful every night before bed, perhaps I could sleep better and replace the negative energy with the good.
I am now 2 full journals in, and am about to start #3 as the new year turns. It has definitely helped me. This 5 minutes of positive thought has shown me that there is still much to be thankful for. In re-reading some of the pages, the entries that turn up most often have to do with either spending meditative time painting or in conversation with new/old friends and family. These moments of connection have been the saviours in my war against my nasty inner demons.
So thank you to those of you who have supported this blog (and me) this year, and especially to those who reached out with words of comment. These small conversations have meant the world and let’s do more of that next year.
I leave you with my favourite paintings of 2020 – the ones that inspired me to be thankful, to remember better days and to hope for more to come. Wishing you a healthy, connected and demon-free New Year!
Art We Wonderful by Marion Younan 
How many fond memories your paintings bring back Marion. Thank you for bringing joy into my life. They are absolutely beautiful.
Happy New Year
Rose
You were instrumental in getting me out to see the world, my soul sister! There may not have been these paintings without you! Thank you and Happy New Year!
Wonderful and inspiring!
Thank you so much! I’m excited to follow your new year!
Thank you!
After purchasing a set of your beautiful journals, I have felt motivated to document my thoughts on the pandemic and general life events.
I am hoping to read these reflections to my grandchildren some day. My Grandma Zella sharing with me her life experiences associated with the Spanish Flu, the sinking of the Titanic and the First World War.
Let us all feel inspired by your action to contemplate the positivity in our lives, as we go forward into 2021.
Best wishes for a Happy New Year
MBW
It sounds like a very worthwhile 2021 project, Mary! Passing down our stories is so important. Thank you for all your support in 2020… and the memorable socially-distanced lunch by the St Lawrence! To more in 2021! ❤️
Happy New Year Marion. Wishing you the very best in 2021. Looking forward to positive changes in the coming year and being together again with family and friends.
Happy New Year, Sheilla! Looking forward to seeing you in 2021!
What a wonderful post. So pleased the gratitude journals gave you hope and got you through the year. I wish you all the best for 2021! Your paintings are amazing.
Thanks so much, Darlene! And I appreciate you regularly reaching out!