Grace Notes

a blog about life’s everyday magic

All, Daily Gratitude, Gratitude, Health + Wellness, Life's Beautiful Journey, Self Affirmation, Self Care, Fostering Self-Compassion

Self-Compassion: Fostering a Kind Relationship with Yourself

Did you know the Latin root that the word “compassion” originated from means “to suffer with”? Compassion is an empathetic emotional response to someone’s suffering that makes you want to…

All, Behind The Scenes

Behind the Scenes of Bella Grace

Words by Christen Hammons The idea for Bella Grace began many years before it finally came to fruition through a series of short conversations about simple pleasures and ordinary magic between…

All, Everyday Magic, Health + Wellness, Life's Beautiful Journey, Self Care, Mindfulness with Your Dog

Practicing Mindfulness with Your Pet

Although people have practiced mindfulness for thousands of years, the word has made its way into our vocabulary, books, and social media feeds more recently than ever. For the uninitiated,…

All, Stream of Consciousness Writing

Your Guide to Stream of Consciousness Writing

Although the term “stream of consciousness” first appeared in William James’s 1890 The Principles of Psychology book, the technique had existed long before it was named. Since the nineteenth century,…

Everyday Magic, Health + Wellness, Holidays, Inspiration, Life, Life's Beautiful Journey, Sources for Coziness

Doses of Coziness You Never Knew You Craved

When asked about what coziness means to them, most people will respond with fairly similar things: fuzzy socks, super-soft throw blankets, warm beverages sipped from an oversized mug, candles, and…

All, Daily Gratitude, Everyday Magic, Health + Wellness, Life, Life's Beautiful Journey, Small Gestures of Kindness

Small Gestures, Big Impact

Think about the last time someone held the door open for you when your hands were full. Or when a stranger offered you their seat on a particularly rough day.…

All, Daily Gratitude, Gratitude, Life's Beautiful Journey, Writing, Enjoyable Daily Journaling

10 Practical Tips on Making Daily Journaling More Enjoyable

Journaling is a powerful method for fostering creativity and personal growth, not just for self-reflection. It provides a haven for expressing thoughts and emotions, setting objectives, and tracking progress. However,…

All, Everyday Magic, Life, Life's Beautiful Journey, Ordinary Magic, Slow Living Lifestyle

Navigating Life Through Slow Living

Imagine waking up to a world where the day unfolds gently, and you have the time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, savoring each bite and the aroma of your coffee.…

All, Daily Gratitude, Everyday Magic, Gratitude, Health + Wellness, Life, Life's Beautiful Journey, Presentness

Presentness in a Fast-Paced World

In a world that seems to be spinning faster each day, where schedules morph into never-ending to-do lists, the idea of living in the present moment can feel like an…

All, Daily Gratitude, Everyday Magic, Health + Wellness, Life, Life's Beautiful Journey, Self Care, Positive Emotions

8 Practices for Cultivating Positive Emotions

In the pursuit of happiness, positive emotions are the threads that weave together moments of delight, love, and contentment. Within each of us lies the profound capability to nurture these…

All, Daily Gratitude, Everyday Magic, Gratitude, Health + Wellness, Self Care, Forest Bathing

The Magic of Forest Bathing

The allure of being amidst natural wonders evokes an inexplicable feeling that soothes our souls. The rustling symphony of the forest, the earthy aroma of trees, and the play of…

All, Daily Gratitude, Everyday Magic, Friendship, Gratitude, Health + Wellness, Social Wellness and Old Friends

Social Wellness: 10 Ways to Reconnect With Old Friends

As life pulls you in different directions, it’s easy to lose touch with old friends and let the threads of connection fray and fade. However, this Social Wellness Month can…