The quiet days between Christmas and the New Year are a special time.  If we’re fortunate enough to have a holiday, they give us space to relax with our loved ones, enjoy long winter walks followed by hot chocolate or mulled wine and curl up by the fireside with a brilliant novel or a classic film. These sleepy moments also allow us to focus on the past year and what we are most grateful for.

This week I have been reading Active Hope by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone.  In this inspiring book, the authors discuss ‘coming from gratitude’ as a profound motivation for environmental activism. By focusing on what we love about the Earth, we develop a positive outlook which in turn, helps us to build the strength we need to protect our planet.

Reading the chapter on gratitude, was a breath of fresh air.  Although I am aware that gratitude is a powerful practice to promote well being, my primary motivation when joining or supporting a campaign is usually a sense of responsibility, fear or guilt.  Being thankful makes us feel lighter and allows us to appreciate what we already have, creating positive energy even when we are contemplating negative news.

This week I have been considering what I most appreciate about my life: the magical smiles my son has given me today, our crisp walk in the woods on a sun dappled frosty afternoon, the relaxing Christmas we spent with family and the delicious meals we enjoyed.

Reflecting on what we are thankful for as the year draws to a close creates a powerful base for our resolutions and plans for 2015. There is so much about the world that I want to preserve for Aidan’s future and beyond: our beautiful oceans, magnificent forests and the incredible resources which enable us to celebrate the festive season.