Not Your Typical Gratitudes

This is the time of year and the season for expressing thankfulness, love, and gratitude. We give thanks for life’s blessings and we show our gratitude by sending cards and gifts to those we love. Why don’t we do this more often?

One of the items in my daily journaling is writing down those things for which I am grateful. This small, but consistent exercise has helped me through a LOT. Healing childhood challenges, working through a 30-year marriage that was sometimes very rocky, mistakes I felt I was making both personally and professionally, and even through the loss of both my husband and son. I know you have heard this before, but gratitude is a shift in perspective, and a CHOICE.

Here are some things I do that are beyond simply writing them out and my hope is, that these may help you through challenging times, especially if you are in the midst of a difficult season:

I not only journal in the morning and/or evening, I stop several times in my day and thank God for keeping me safe, healthy, and for whatever is happening in that moment. This is especially important, if I am having a down day. I would actually encourage setting a timer on those days.

I like to send a message in the moment when I am thinking of someone to let them know how much I appreciate them in my life. There is a reason they pop into your head and they might just need to hear your message. BONUS - it makes you feel good, too!

I also express gratitude for blessings I know God will be bringing to my life. I thank Him as if they have already happened. Is there something your heart really desires right now so you can start saying thank you as if you have already received or experienced it? There is SO much power in this affirming visual exercise because ‘what you think about, you bring about!’

Last of all, I try to express gratitude every day for the adversities I have been through. I say thank you for the lessons they have taught me and for helping me to grow and become a better version of myself every day.

I truly want you to know how much I love and appreciate each and every one of you. I am here to help you move through and beyond to your better self!