Day 6: Make a list of ten things you’re grateful for and display it where you’ll see it often.
The Blurb: Gratitude is one of the easiest- and unfortunately most overlooked- ways to improve your quality of life. It’s quick, doesn’t cost any money or even much time. It’s the simple act of acknowledging the little things that become big things because you focus on them. This is a truth my grandpa taught me- “what you focus on expands.” Our brains are wired to adapt to reoccurring situations and so it’s easy to overlook things we should be thankful for on a daily basis. There’s nothing like having something taken away to make you grateful for it.
Suggestions: This is one of the easiest days to accomplish. Just grab a piece of paper and jot down 10 things you are thankful for and put it somewhere you’ll see it until the day before Valentines day, when we finish up this project. They can be big or small. In college I kept a “thankful journal.” At the end of each night I would just write a few sentences of one or two things that happened that day. I can’t even tell you how much this simple and quick daily act helped to improve my attitude about everything in my life. I started noticing things during the day that I could put in my journal at night, which me realize just how good I had it.
Keeping it Real:
Here’s my list of 10 things I’m thankful for today:
1) My family. I am blessed beyond measure. I have an amazing hubby, awesome daughters and the cutest little boy around.
2) My amazingly supportive friends. I am lucky to have many close friends. I am also a part of a GNO group with amazing women who inspire me and keep me laughing all the time.
3) The ability to share my writing with others. I’m currently working on getting one book published while I finish a second one (details on my website). I love blogging once a week and sharing occasional writing excepts – here’s one of my favorites.
4) Laughter. I think laughing is the only way to make it through life’s journey. I LOVE to be around people who make me laugh. Every now and then I just need a doubled over-tears streaming-cant catch your breath-kind of laugh. One of my favorite things about my hubby is that he is constantly making me laugh. I love that guy.
5) The little things- Hugs. Stolen moments. A good workout. Cooking. My phone. Hats. Sunshine. Outings. Memories. Late nights and early mornings with my baby. Smoothies. Audiobooks. Texts. Cold sheets and warm blankets. Funky socks. Iced chai. Mopped floors. Freshly done hair. Shoes. Painted nails. Extras. Sleep. People that motivate. Anything outdoors. Jogging strollers. Kisses from my baby. Hints that spring could come. Holidays. Snuggling with my sleepy baby. Pictures.
6) Books- I love reading. In fact, I read 50 books last year and was changed in so many ways.
7) Flexible schedule. I’m thankful that I’m able to work from home and be around my kiddos.
8) Goals. I’m proud of the things I’ve accomplished and excited for all the things yet to come.
9) Music. I’m a huge fan of almost any kind of music. I think it speaks to you in a way that nothing else can. It can motivate you, soothe you when you need a break or get you pumped when you need some adrenaline. I have music playing almost all the time. Seriously, I feel like my life has a soundtrack.
10) This year. I have a lot of awesome things planned to accomplish this year. I’m am thankful for all the people in my life that have helped me get to where I am, and excited to keep stepping it up.
Photo of the Day:
It’s been so much fun creating this project. If you want to join in, here’s the “30 Days of Loving Yourself Project” breakdown.
See ya tomorrow!
Brooke