Keep the Gratitude Going
With Thanksgiving in the States this week, there’s a lot of buzz about gratitude as people pause to consider what they’re thankful for. On social media, you’ll find a lot of the similar entries: family, friends, pets, health. Some different ones I saw this year included “my hobbies,” “my dreams,” and “travel.”
I love the idea of so many people taking time to reflect in this way. I believe there’s great power in a collective consciousness. Imagine if all of us could be more intentionally grateful on a regular basis and not just once a year. Oh we could certainly make some big, loving moves in this world!Seeing friends’ posts also reminded me that I’ve let my daily gratitude journal entries slip away, so to do my part, I’ve picked the habit back up.
As I settle into bed, I grab a favorite journal that I now keep bedside once again, and my special pen and jot down five things I’m grateful for, either from my day, or in general. As a rule of thumb, I try to not repeat my entries within the same week. I like the challenge of digging deep and identifying gratitude in places I may otherwise overlook.
I remember the last time I did this regularly, it really helped me to go about my day in a much more present-minded way, and with a more open and positive perspective and attitude. As a result, I cleared the clutter of negative thinking and opened the channel for abundance in all kinds of forms. After all, gratitude is a vital component in a life well lived.
Perhaps reading this right now is your calling to pick this practice back up or start it for the very first time. To jump start your thinking, here are my entries from today:
Today I am grateful for:
- Post-meal geocaching with my nieces and nephews on Thanksgiving.
- Inspiring and intimate conversations with friends.
- Connecting more deeply with my soul family.
- My besties’ willingness to let me wash a load of laundry at their house.
- Delicious English candy.
Your turn! Whether it’s on a scrap of paper, in a beautiful notebook, or on your smartphone, stop in this moment and jot down your five items. Let’s walk in gratitude together.
Are you up for it? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to read some of your entries if you’re willing to share!
Until next week, keep taking those small steps to Live Out Loud.
Hi Kerri, Great post! Thanks for the reminder. One item on your list stood out to me. Could you expand on “Connecting more deeply with my soul family?” I would love to know how you define “soul family” and how you built yours! Please share! Thank you! 🙂
Hi Dee,
Thanks for joining the conversation! Happy to expand on “soul family”. I define it as those people I’ve met, outside of my biological family, who I really connect with; people who love, support, and encourage me from a judgment-free place; and really from a celebratory and excited place! You know, sometimes, when you really just “click” with someone and you connect on a deep level, so much so you can’t wait to see them again? To me, that’s a member of my soul family.
I don’t so much “build” mine as I “find” it. I do this by being very selective with who I spend my time with, by implementing healthy boundaries, by making my self care as much of a priority as possible so as to not fall victim to negative influences. My soul family are those who love and lift me instead of drag me down.
Is that helpful? <3
That is helpful. Thank you for explaining that further. 🙂
You’re welcome!
My wonderful family
major Thanksgiving gathering over 30 people
Inter activity of Family on this thankful day
meeting new people from abroad
planned Birthday party for tomorrow
Love these gratitudes, Daddio! We have such a wonderful family thanks to you and Mom! And yes, Thanksgiving was such a joy. I loved being together with everyone and my friends from across the pond LOVED every minute of it — they really loved YOU. I’m looking forward to celebrating your big day tomorrow! I’m always grateful for you.