I wrote about yesterday morning in my gratitude journal. I hope to never forget all of the little details. Thank goodness for my love of taking photos. They will forever bring me back to the sweet moments in life.

We woke up before sunrise on the Tahoe rim trail. The previous day we had hiked 13 miles in to get to this point. I climbed out of my tent realizing that I was a bit out of shape, feeling sore and more tired than usual. After eating breakfast and packing up camp, we started off on the trail to finish the remaining 6 miles of the trip.

The group decided to leave around 6:30, with that timing I was able to get my coffee and my sunrise, just like I love to. There was a moment where the sky was pink before the sun came up and gave the landscape that dreamy, passing lighting.

I love how the plants take on a golden hue, without it they might be passed up or unappreciated, but for a brief moment they are breathtaking. I fell back from the group for a short period of time, intentionally, just for this. We had to “make our miles” for some of our friends to get to an appointment but I still managed to get some quality time with nature, just like I needed. The cold morning air had me zipping up my vest and burying my face in it. The wind pierced through my long sleeve shirt giving me distinct memories of Fall back home in Michigan. Home sweet home. Some of the leaves on the ground swirled around in the wind, this simple phenomenon is one of my favorite things to witness. Nature’s magic.

I walked between the trees, realizing how lucky I am, feeling that deep gratitude. The kind that makes your heart flutter for a quick moment. Pure joy. Thank you God for this morning full of fresh air, sunshine and friendship.

I have made sure that I’ll never forget it.