As we’re in the seasons of pumpkins, scarves and cinnamon-scented everything (my SECOND favorite time of year. I'm a Summer girl) I always find myself reflecting on everything I’m so grateful for in my life and business.
Maybe it’s the energy of the season of Harvest or the warm Thanksgiving vibes. You’ve probably heard or seen the word ‘gratitude’ a lot recently in your favorite magazines, blogs and TV shows and social feeds… There’s a whole lot of science that points to the act of gratitude being good for us humans. (Ever wonder if it’s the same for our pets?)
Basically, the data shows that when we have a ‘practice’ (a regular habit) of expressing gratitude - we are likely to be more happy and less depressed… even if our mental health is already suffering
Practicing gratitude actually changes our brain! Here are some fascinating gratitude facts:
Practicing gratitude is fuel for satisfaction Gratitude practice appears to help you feel more satisfied in life and can boost your self-esteem, according to peer-reviewed research. https://www.mindful.org/the-science-of-gratitude/
It can be a ‘natural antidepressant “Expressing gratitude not only to others but also to ourselves, induces positive emotions, primarily happiness… The effects of gratitude, when practiced daily can be almost the same as medications. It produces a feeling of long-lasting happiness and contentment, the physiological basis of which lies at the neurotransmitter level.” https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/
It takes time, but the effects are long-lasting: “Individuals in the gratitude group reported better mental health than the others four weeks after the writing activities, and this difference in mental health became even larger 12 weeks after the writing activities.” https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_gratitude_changes_you_and_your_brain
“A study of this practice found that people who wrote down three things that had gone well in their day and identified the causes of those good things were significantly happier and less depressed, even six months after the study ended.” https://www.mindful.org/the-science-of-gratitude/
One of the things I am the most grateful for every day is the ability and privilege to do this job. Working with animals is a life-long dream. I started making little collar charms for my own doggies in a spare room that soon became overrun with crafting supplies and spilled resin (oops). I never imagined I'd be able to turn a fun hobby into my full-time job and passion. It has since evolved so much, and it's so much fun to explore and expand my manufacturing and design capabilities.
But, alongside maintaining time for self-care and hobbies, it can keep me so busy that expressing my gratitude for everything and to everyone I’d like to can sometimes get overlooked.
So, I wanted to take this opportunity - in this season of thanks - to share a few things I’m most thankful for right now.
1. Change: Change is hard. It can twist us up in uncomfortable ways, and feel terrifying and uncertain. But it is a necessary and beautiful part of life; one that forces us to grow and evolve and be better for it. This year has been chock full of change for me and my business. I packed up my belongings (what I didn't sell or give away) and sold the home where I created this business. I moved a short 70 miles away, to New Orleans, to start a new life. Bridging the distance on a long-distance relationship has been worth every single growing pain I've felt in this transition. Love can often be the key ingredient we need to push us to exactly where we need to be.
2. Being able to do what I love: Being a small business owner is far from a license to print money, I assure you. But I'm here and I'm so grateful that I have been able to turn a hobby into my passion, and keep it going for (nearly) 15 years now. This has been such a rewarding experience, and I hope to keep it going another 15 and beyond.
3. My incredible customers: Yeah, yeah, I know. It sounds like I'm pandering now. But really. I have formed some wonderful and lasting relationships with my customers. I've gotten to know some truly remarkable people, and their adorable (sometimes silly) fur children, through the years. I've seen the joy of new pups and kittens enter their families, and the heartbreak of beloved pets saying goodbye. I'm grateful for those relationships, even if sometimes we get busy and it's just a periodic check-in, and a "lol" at a funny Insta post.
I’d love to know what’s got you feeling #blessed too
What’s got you feeling some kind of wonderful?
Have you started or maintained a gratitude practice?
If so, I’d love to know more about it! Get in touch with me here or DM me on Instagram to share your secrets!
P.S. Just remember, wherever you’re ready, I’m here to create a fun new statement piece for your fur friend. It’s my absolute pleasure to be your go-to source for pet ID tags.