It's November and that means it's time to talk Thanksgiving. Thanks giving. Time to talk less about the food part of the holiday (that comes later) and time to focus on gratitude.
My mom did an amazing job at instilling gratitude in me at a really young age. I have always known just how fortunate I am. And I am a firm believer that everyone has something to be grateful for every day. That being said, even for me, it's really hard to feel grateful all day, every day of life. It's also okay to have highs and lows in your day, you don't have to be grateful every minute- but the more you are in tune with all you have to be thankful for, the more grounded you will be in your life.
You have to actively choose gratitude. Gratitude is a practice, and an important one at that. Just like hopping on your yoga mat, or sitting down to meditate, you have to bring focus and presence to your practice. But why should we practice gratitude? Being aware of all the good in your life helps to cultivate a mindset of abundance and helps to keep hardships and daily struggles in perspective.
A couple years ago I started a gratitude journal to deepen my practice. I write 3 things I am grateful for on that day.
Ideally you do not write the same things every day. You don't want to have "family, friends, and a roof over your head" on repeat every day. Specific is better because it helps you notice the little things that you may not have thought about previously.
For me, it has turned into a diary of sorts- I end up writing a mix of things I am grateful for interspersed with other relevant quotes from books I may be reading or with daily affirmations. I wish I could say I do it every day, but I average about 3-5x week. This journal has become a part of my morning ritual. Writing out things I am grateful for in the morning sets my attitude up for success. It gets my head clear and focused on what really matters in life (no more waking up on the wrong side of the bed!). Some people like to do gratitudes before sleep. I think that is great, too! Whatever works for your life.
I challenge you to personally try to write down three things you are grateful for daily. If three is too daunting, then make it one. It doesn't have to fit a particular theme. Anything you are grateful for, and make it specific! I would love to hear all that you are grateful for! #gratitudebegetsgratitude
The challenge goes until Thanksgiving, and I hope you will continue the practice after too! Tag your posts with #shedgratitudechallenge for a chance to be regrammed.
Follow along with me @shed.for.the.wed on Instagram to keep up with my gratitudes daily! I'll be posting to my feed and stories daily!