Project 52 | FORTY SEVEN

Metadata: f/2.8, 1/320, ISO 200

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Gratitude is a funny thing. The more we practice it, the happier we are. At least that’s how it works for me. Several months ago my SIL sent me this article and it changed me. I was in the middle of my really rough patch and needed something to change my attitude around. I wasn’t suffering from PPD. I was suffering from extreme sleep deprivation. It was crippling. I was dwelling on the negative and forgetting the positive, which is so easy to do when you sleep no more than three hours straight for six months in a row. I kept turning to the internet to whine instead of trying to find positives in my life, which there were plenty of. I was just forgetting them. It was around this time that I deleted facebook from my iphone and downloaded The Gratitude Journal app instead. I programmed it to send me a reminder every night during everett’s dreamfeed, which forced me to note what I was thankful for each day. I am very specific when I record things in there and what a difference it has made for me. Even in the haze, there were bright shining stars. People and moments and love. I had forgotten those important things. Thinking about them every day helped me get to a better place and rediscover my usual positive spirit. & the really funny thing was, rarely did any of my grateful entries include material things. Those things never provide long lasting joy.

So on this black Friday, my goal is to spend only the money it takes to buy a fresh Christmas Tree, and use this family day to enjoy one another. We haven’t been able to do that as a family of four lately. :)

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& Project 52 is off to a very collaborative start! If you’d like to join in–it’s not too late. Here’s everything you need to know about

my 2012 Project 52.

& those of you who are linking up (please let me know if you need to be edited/added!):

Adventures in MommyhoodAnd NowAubrey My LoveBlossoms & VintageBugs & Boo-Boos Candice CravesCandidly Colette Caynay PhotographyChristina’s Project 52 Chronicles of KTClaire Jane The Crain’s Nest Dana Moran Photography The Daulton Dabbler Englexas Everything Eatherton Fairy Wings & Dinosaurs Finding Joy Firecracker MamaFreckled PinkFrom Stanwood to Seoul Gin & Juice Boxes Heather Marie PortraitsIci & LaIt’s a Graham LifeIt’s a Strange & Lovely RideKate L Photography Keeping up with the Carters Kim Percival PhotographyLiving for Love Lizzi Photography Mahina & Lucas Mama Bethany McLain Padilla Photography Mist Moments Memories by Mere Moments & Impressions The Mommyhood Memos Moo with Me Moxie Made My Tots TravelNavigating the MothershipNicole Dina PhotographyOh the Places We’ll GoOur Baby Behr Our Splendid Little Life Phreckle Face Photography Quiet FootstepsRachel Gray PhotographyThe Robersons Shades of Bliss Shutter Mama BlogSide of the TableSimply Us Snaps of Our LifeSquamish Baby The Todd’sTruly Dedicated Mommy We Aren’t Scared of SugarWe’re Better Together Wicked KateWokabout Z as in Zebra

Hi! Hello! I am Shawna, the founder of Styleberry Blog. This creative corner of the internet has become a learning haven for moms and creatives, offering a warm and encouraging nudge to those who wish to be better and do better, but often don't know where to start. From Decorating to DIY to Diapers and Paleo-ish Dishes, I strive to make the complicated simple and empower women to take action beyond their personal comfort zone. I subscribe to the Shine Theory & so strongly believe that we shine when the women around us shine and mutual support—lifting up instead of tearing down--will always be the culture here. Are you in? I hope so! Beyond the computer, I run Styleberry Creative where I work with clients to create low fuss, high function spaces that are pretty and practical in San Antonio, Texas and beyond. I LOVE making a house a home. My own studs out renovation is now complete and I am now back to working with clients. Please don't hesitate to drop me a line if you'd like to work together! I hope you’ll join me on this fun new adventure! Xo.

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