A little more than a week into my effort to take a photo each day, and I find myself struggling. When I go to work and when I come home from work, it’s dark. I joked with a friend that I was a vampire. Nancy – bless her heart, as we say in the South – suggested I photograph the night sky one evening as I was lamenting that I had yet to take a photo.

As we talked, though, I realized I was grateful for her friendship. How do I photograph that when she wasn’t nearby? Easy. She gave me a hand painted wine glass that I’ve been using every morning for juice. Okay, I admit it, I also use it most evenings. I photographed the glass.

My photography project is not designed to be another chore or item to check off my list. It’s part of my effort to appreciate the simple pleasure of life and to be grateful. It’s also an opportunity to practice my photography. And’s it’s also a reminder about creating balance.

My year kicked off with a series of day-long meetings at work. They’ve been informative, creative and strategic, and I’m enjoying them. The downside is that I’ve had little time for day-to-day deadlines and projects so I come in early or stay late, which leads to long days.

This photography project, though, forces me to think about what I do appreciate. One day I photographed a basket of volleyballs at the gym. I’m playing with a new team, and I’m grateful for that.

The other night, driving home, I was grateful that I have enough money to call for takeout. I’m grateful that there is a terrific Chinese restaurant near my house. I’m grateful that the restaurant is on my speed dial. All of this leads to today’s photograph of takeout boxes.

How are you doing so far in 2012 with your resolutions and goals?