Sometimes gratitude in everyday life shows itself in the simplest of moments – a cold swim, the warmth of a fire, or a conversation that touches something deep inside. This weekend was filled with just that: chill, warmth, and quiet reminders of what truly matters.
I went for a swim today – cold, refreshing, and absolutely wonderful. The water temperature has started to drop, and the body quickly turns numb, so you can’t stay long. Yet that makes it even more beautiful. A deep calm spreads through every cell, and thoughts arrive one by one.
The warmth that comes afterward is indescribable – as is the feeling that I did it. Even though I do this often, every swim feels like a small victory. A moment that belongs only to me, for my own sake. It’s here that I often find gratitude in everyday life – in the stillness, in the water, in the present moment.
An Evening with the Young Ones and the Warmth of the Fire
Yesterday our boy from Gothenburg came home with his girlfriend. We had dinner together and spent the evening talking in the living room. She had some back pain and asked if I had a TENS device – which I did. She lay on the floor with the electrodes connected, receiving that little electric massage, and I lent her my heating belt as well. I don’t know if the pain eased, but at least the moment changed how her body felt.
Later that night, I lit a fire in the basement. We laid out mattresses and made a bed down there so they could fall asleep to the crackling of the flames. It’s such a soothing sound, that fire.
There’s so much gratitude in everyday life in those little moments – when people meet, share time, and warmth.
After today’s swim, the young ones got ready, and we went to church. For a long time, we’ve had an incredible priest and parish leader here in our community. Today was his farewell service before moving on to new assignments.
It felt like a quiet sadness in my heart, knowing he won’t be there for our school graduations or midnight masses at Christmas anymore. I’m not someone who goes to church often, but this priest has been something truly special.
A Message About Humanity and Responsibility
His sermon today touched me deeply. He spoke about the state of the world, our country, and then about our own small village. When he got to that part, my eyes filled with tears.
He spoke of elderly people confined to their homes or lower floors, or couples forced apart because the municipality doesn’t offer joint housing for them. The thought hurt. If my husband and I grow old and struggle to manage on our own – should we then be separated?
His words reminded me of how, back in 2006, we spoke of compassion and understanding, while now we speak of punishment and blame – as if everything is “their fault.” But really, it’s about responsibility, empathy, and love. We must once again become we, not us and them. Division doesn’t nourish anyone – not us, not the world.
He also spoke about dictators, even mentioning Trump – and I could only agree. I may not be religious, but I’m grateful I went to church today for his last sermon. It gave so much. It was also heartwarming to see how many people came to thank him – from local politicians and staff to young people who’ve listened to his school speeches over the years.
Gratitude in Everyday Life – In Every Moment
In all of this, in all the words, gratitude in everyday life finds its home. Gratitude for each moment, for the different shades of the day, and for our boy who drove 200 kilometers to be part of the farewell. That alone says a lot – about him, and about a priest who has meant so much to so many.
And within it all, I feel gratitude toward myself too – for giving myself both the swim and the visit to church. Gratitude for having witnessed this day, this priest, this quiet warmth that lingers even now.
Between the Lines – My Voice
Between the chill of the water and the warmth of the fire rests a simple truth: Gratitude grows when you allow yourself to feel, not just to think. To see, to listen, and to take part – that’s where the magic of ordinary life lives.
AHA – Between the Lines
It’s not always the big things that shape us, but the small, ordinary moments where the heart recognizes itself. A swim, a thank-you, a conversation. That’s where life happens.
Question for You
When did you last feel gratitude in everyday life for something you did just for yourself? What small moment recently reminded you that you’re alive?
Yesterday has settled into rest. From your choices yesterday, gratitude may already live within today – gratitude that you can keep nurturing, and that will return to you tomorrow. It’s in the present we find it – where we live and breathe, and here, we can cultivate our gratitude endlessly.
– Carina Ikonen Nilsson
Church Under the Stars
The church beneath the stars – a quiet reminder of gratitude, presence, and life’s infinity.
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