Gratitude, Remembrance, and the Warmest of Togetherness: A Note from Eva

I feel immensely grateful just to be here, to be part of this life, and to share it with all of you. /Eva/

Dear reader, welcome,

I felt inspired today to share a little note from my heart to yours.

In a world filled with ups, downs, and endless distractions, it’s so important to pause, breathe, and reflect on all the beautiful things we sometimes take for granted. So today, I want to talk about gratitude—and not just the ordinary kind, but the deep, profound gratitude that roots us, lifts us, and reminds us why we’re here.

As many of you know, I’m a nature lover, a mindfulness enthusiast, a seeker of joy, and someone who still has her fair share of good days and not-so-good days. Like all of us, I’ve been through my own set of challenges and traumas, and healing is something I work on every day. But today, I feel immensely grateful just to be here, to be part of this life, and to share it with all of you.

This weekend was special in so many ways. Yesterday was Remembrance Sunday, a time to honour the brave souls who stood up for freedom and peace. I had heartfelt conversations with my kids, talking about why it’s so important to remember these courageous individuals. We spoke about bravery, sacrifice, and the impact that past generations have had on the world we live in today. It was a reminder that gratitude also means honouring those who came before us, those who paved the way with their strength and love.

At the same time, we had a family celebration, marking my son’s name day, a tradition that means a lot to us. We shared stories, and enjoyed the little moments—moments I hold dear because family, to me, is one of life’s greatest gifts. Today, we’re sipping double chocolate, munching on double the cake and lighting double the candles for Remembrance day and also in honour of Latvia’s Lāčplēša Day, the day of remembrance for Latvian Freedom Fighters. The spirit of courage, resilience, and gratitude feels all the more powerful as we celebrate the joys of life and remember those who’ve sacrificed so much.

And next week, Latvia's Independence Day. We simply call it Latvia's Birthday- will be celebrated on November 18. Across the country, red and white candles will light up festive dinner tables,symbolising our love and pride for Latvia. It's another day to come together,reflect,and celebrate the spirit of our beautiful nation.

These gatherings and sincere conversations with my kids remind me just how important it is to cherish every moment. We talked not only about history but about the values that connect us all—love, courage, and a desire to make the world a little better for those who come after us. Gratitude, in its truest form, is about recognising how interconnected we are, how much we rely on each other, and how much we owe to those who have helped us become who we are today.

It’s moments like these that bring me back to what really matters. In our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the simple pleasures, the meaningful conversations, the traditions, and even the slice of cake shared with loved ones. But gratitude is all about noticing, about soaking up these moments and realising how rich we are in love and connection.

Today, on this significant date, we hold close the memories of those who served, who sacrificed, and who remind us of the resilience of the human spirit. Every year on this day, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the people who’ve given so much so we can live in peace. It’s a humbling reminder to honour the past, to respect the journey, and to walk forward with compassion.

So, let’s all take a moment today. Whether it’s to celebrate, to remember, or simply to pause, let’s hold space for gratitude. Life is the greatest gift, and each day—each breath—is an opportunity to grow, to heal, and to become a little better. Let’s cherish the beauty around us, honour those who came before us, and keep inspiring one another to shine, even on the darkest days.

I’m wondering, do you have traditions or special ways of teaching your children about the importance of remembering those who came before us? Whether it’s sharing stories, attending ceremonies, or just taking a quiet moment to reflect, each gesture helps carry forward a legacy of gratitude and respect. Please feel free to share your family traditions or memories if you’re up to —it’s so meaningful to connect over what we hold dear.

Thank you, dear readers, for sharing this journey with me. Every moment we spend together, every story shared, every piece of wisdom exchanged—it all fills my heart with endless gratitude.

With all my love and gratitude,

Eva

"Lest We Forget"

“This painting was created for lovely English lady in memory of her beloved husband. Features delicate poppies—symbols of remembrance and resilience. Using soft tones, I aimed to evoke peace and comfort for his wife, capturing the beauty and strength of their shared memories. The poppies stand as a quiet tribute to his spirit, a reminder of love that endures and brings solace through the colours and grace of nature.”

7 Best Ways to Build Gratitude (and How It Can Change Your Life)

Life is the greatest gift, and each day—each breath—is an opportunity to grow, to heal, and to become a little better./Eva/

Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you” – it’s a way of seeing the world that makes every day a little brighter. Here are seven down-to-earth ways to build gratitude in your life (with a bit of my charm and humour, of course!)

Start a Gratitude Journal

Take five minutes each morning to jot down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be life-changing! Some days it’s simply “Thank you for tea, fluffy slippers, for my fave scent candle and that one dependable Wi-Fi bar.”

Compliment Others, Even if Silently

Find a lovely trait in someone and appreciate it out loud—or even in your own mind. Think, “Thank goodness for that friend who always makes me laugh!” Or, “Here’s to the bus driver who makes Mondays bearable.” Complimenting shifts your focus onto the positives in people around you.

Remember the Simple Joys

Gratitude doesn’t have to be grand. It’s as simple as appreciating a sunny day, the smell of fresh bread, or that blissful moment when you spot an empty seat on a crowded train. Life’s small pleasures are worth celebrating!

Practise Mindfulness

Take a few minutes each day to just be. Breathe deeply, look around, and take in your surroundings. Suddenly, that ‘ordinary’ park with funny squearls or the birds chirping outside can become a reminder of nature’s beauty—free and always available.

Do One Kind Act Every Day

Be it holding the door, letting someone go ahead in the queue, or sending a quick text to a friend, small acts of kindness create a ripple effect. And here’s the magic: you’ll often feel as grateful for doing them as the person on the receiving end.

Focus on What You Have, Not What You Lack

It’s easy to get swept up by all the things we want—new gadgets, exotic holidays, or just an extra hour in bed! Instead, try looking around and appreciating what you do have. Perhaps it’s a loving family, a cosy home, or simply the peace of mind knowing the car started this morning.

Reflect on Hard Times to Appreciate the Good Ones

Sometimes, remembering challenges we’ve faced makes the present sweeter. Remembering past struggles can make you even more grateful for what you’ve overcome. Perhaps you once had a less-than-ideal job, and now you’ve found work that actually makes you smile in the morning (on most days, at least!).

Why Gratitude Changes Everything

Living gratefully keeps you grounded in the good and helps you navigate life’s little hiccups with more grace. When you focus on the positive, it’s easier to see that every day has its own unique beauty—even if it’s just finding that £1 coin you thought was lost forever.

How It Helps You:

Practising gratitude rewires your mind to focus on the positives, lifting your mood and creating a deeper sense of contentment. It’s been shown to reduce stress, improve mental health, and even boost your relationships. Embracing gratitude helps you see everyday moments as gifts, shifting your focus from what’s missing to the beauty of what’s already here.

Eva xo