As the sun sets on a wonderfully warm, sunny day, I find myself reflecting on the abundance of Nature around me. Spring growth is at its peak, and the air feels full of life, of possibilities, and of gratitude. Today, my focus is on that ever-renewing theme: gratitude.

This morning, I went for a walk from my house down to the beach. I walked along the sand by the sea, past Scarborough Harbour, and finished along the sea-front promenade, where the waves lapped just over the wall. I felt deeply blessed. There was an abundance of things to be grateful for. Not just for the beauty of this special place I call home, but for the simple gifts of life: the ability to walk, the senses that let me drink in the sunrise and seascapes, and the freedom to step outside safely whenever I wish.

But today, there was something new on this familiar route. A collaborative project between the council and local organizations has transformed a rather run-down Victorian shelter on the sea-front into a Cetacean Watch Centre. Equipped with telescopes and informative boards, it encourages awareness, enjoyment, and respect for our local marine life. I was particularly awed by a mosaic art floor depicting dolphins and other sea creatures-including Thor the walrus, whose visit to Scarborough some of you may remember. It was beautiful, and yet again, I felt my heart swell with gratitude.

For this week’s self-kindness invitation, I encourage you to pause and tune into gratitude. Notice the gifts in your life, large and small. Perhaps dwell on one or more of them, fully experiencing the warmth of appreciation that arises. Gratitude has a remarkable way of nourishing our well-being, quietly reminding us of the abundance already present in our lives.

Take a walk, look closely, breathe deeply-and let gratitude fill your senses.