By Welcome! You’ve found this page at an opportune time. You see, December 2017 I made a pledge to write 365 lists of gratitude. In 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1), I embarked on a journey dedicated to appreciating what I had and how I felt. For a time, I kept to writing every day. I made sure my list was posted no matter the time of day or amount of energy I possessed. That was a mistake.
How To
Writing your daily gratitude is meant to be fun and reflective. You may want to share your writing with someone else. You may even ask for help forming your list of 25 things (trust me, I know I did). Whatever your motivation is to write and share gratitude, you have come to the right place!Here are some helpful tips to getting started.
What It Means
This is the reason you’re here. The meat and bones of writing gratitude. For our vegetarian friends, the tofu and bones if you will. Gratitude is defined as;
the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
A readiness to show appreciation and the return of kindness. Maybe your list will be given to a friend or loved one. Maybe the gratitude is a reflection of your own process. Whatever your intention, we know demonstrating gratitude is important. While writing you’ll find sharing gratitude to be cathartic and powerful. Again, this process is a return of kindness. A simple thank you extended back to the Universe and its inhabitants.
Get Comfy
Make sure you are in a good space. Most times, I write laying in bed surrounded by fluffy pillows and warm blankets. My cat Ned, also tends to join me from time to time which doesn’t hurt either. This may look different for you. Maybe you have a favorite tree you like to sit under or a hidden bench along a trail. Wherever you may go to sit and reflect, play some good tunes, relax, and enjoy the process.
Writing It Out
This is the easy part. Whether you are reflecting on your day or your past week, what stands out? What were the times that made you feel happy or supported? Who was there? What sounds did you hear? How did it/they help you reach the present moment? Your list may take on a new shape from here. Our list may simply include the things we have but it can also include who we are. What about yourself are you grateful for? Your curly hair? Your summertime freckles? When we have gratitude for the things that cannot change, we have not only accepted who we are but we have an appreciation for the present moment. Each breathe, devoted to helping us stay connected to the moment we’re in and each word signifying a thankfulness for something greater. Ask yourself some of these questions while you’re writing and you’ll have your list in no time.
Sharing Gratitude
This part is important. You’ve successfully completed your list and you spent meaningful time reflecting on how much you love peanut butter (I do it all the time). Sharing gratitude may not be for everyone. Sometimes our list is just for us and that’s okay! Motivation for sharing gratitude can look different for people. Maybe sharing gratitude is your way of inspiring others. Maybe someone you care about had a tough day and you want to remind them how special they are. Whatever your reason for sharing, you have the ability to start a chain reaction. By sharing gratitude, we have the ability to create change. Who knows what would happen if we were all a little more thankful for the people we share our gratitude with.
03.01.19
Today I’m Grateful For…
- Foggy mornings as rain falls against my window
- The stars, as a gift and a reminder
- The sound of the train passing in the night
- Naps next to my cat, Ned
- The warmth of the summer sun
- Teachers, mentors, and coaches
- Late night ice cream
- Game of Thrones marathons
- Morning runs before the sunrise
- A little motivation to get work done
- Calls from my parents and texts from my siblings
- Delicious tea and people to share it with
- Basketball in the driveway
- Safe travels and good health
- Warm clothes and semi-dangerous hikes
- Handwritten notes and letters
- A good hair day
- Talks about purpose and fulfillment
- My continued education
- My grandparents
- Time to relax and recharge
- Pleasant smelling candles
- When things go right
- A little help and encouragement
- The here and now
As always, check out my first blog 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.
If you’re interested in Guest Blogging for the Gratitude Journal, click (here)!
Featured image from Ashland State Park
