It’s amazing to me that we are already in November. It has been quite the year.
This time of year–on the calendar in the United States–has been designated as a time of Thanksgiving in remembrance of those people, who many years ago, were trying to make a new life in a new place in uncertain times. They may have felt in many ways how some of us feel today.
These pilgrims took time to celebrate how far they had come and the possibilities that lay ahead.
Like them, this month we can take the time to celebrate making it this far through this “crazy” year and look forward to the opportunities that are ahead of us.
I have two ideas that may help us make the entire month one of thanksgiving.
Idea #1
Create a list of all the things you are grateful for. Think big and think little. You can add to this list throughout the month. Here’s part of my list (it keeps growing the more I think on it).
- God: Knowing that I’m a spiritual daughter God helps me know who I am and my potential. I know he listens to me and gives me direction.
- Family: They certainly make this journey through life more fun and entertaining. They also provide me with opportunities to learn and grow as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and aunt. I also have the tile of Great Aunt thanks to my nieces and nephews. I’ve always been a great aunt it’s just nice to finally have the official title 😊
- Country: I’m very thankful to be a citizen of the United States of America. Having traveled to other places has helped me appreciate this even more. I’m blessed with many freedoms and opportunities just by living where I do.
- Ice: I’m thankful and like having it in my glass regardless of temperature or season. I even keep a backup bag in my freezer.
- Work: I’m thankful for the ability to work and that I enjoy it.
- Talents: I’m thankful for my talents (listening, planning, organizing, and bringing people together).
- People: I’m thankful for people who read my blog.
- My Bed: I love my bed. I relax there, read, sleep, and do other things in my bed😊. At the end of the day, and truth be told at other times of the day, I am on my bed—it is one of my places.
These are just a few things I’m grateful for.
What’s on your list?
Idea #2
At the end of each day write down 1-3 things from the day that you are grateful for. Try to find different things each day. It can get a little hard but dig deep.
Some things on my list this week:
- The weather in the high 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Just the right temperature, not too hot, not too cold.
- I found the missing sock from my laundry—I now have all my pairs accounted for—it was in my pillowcase.
- I talked to my daughter who is currently living in California and she is doing well.
- I am able to exercise.
- My husband is working from home an extra day this week 😉.
- We got to take down the Halloween decorations. I enjoy holidays, but coming to a completion means new things are beginning.
- Getting back in bed at the end of the day. (I know—back to the whole bed thing. Like I said, “I’m thankful for my bed.”)
What things would make your list?
- Had someone smile at me?
- Stayed upright in the wind storm?
- Woke up to the alarm clock? (Getting out of bed at the right time, not too early or too late.)
Remember it can be way BIG or teeny tiny. Everything matters!
So, you may be asking yourself “why do I want to use one or both of these ideas?”.
Because of the awesome benefits you’ll receive.
Benefits:
By having an “attitude of gratitude” we can experience the following:
- Increased happiness
- Increased psychological well-being
- Increased self- esteem
- More people will like you
- Better relationships- By showing and tell your husband how much you appreciate him this will enhance the marriage relationship- yippee
- Increased optimism
- Experience more spirituality
- Find meaning and purpose in work
- It reduces blood pressure
- Improves sleep- which can improve mood
- You’ll want to exercise (I know, kind of crazy- but you will)
By being on the lookout and expressing gratitude we can experience these and many other benefits.
How do you find ways to have an “attitude of gratitude”? What are some of your great tips? Let’s talk about it…..