Gratitude. It’s what this season seems to be about. November is often the time that we step back and take stock of what our blessings are. This year one of my friends from my Iowa days, Mary Hopper, has started a little gratitude practice named #28DaysofGratitude.
Every day Mary sends an email with an “exercise” for the group to do. As I write this we have only had 3 days but they have been great opportunities for me to reflect on gratitude. So far these have been the questions that we have been asked to ponder:
- Name three things that I am grateful for right now.
- Name three things that I am grateful for from my past.
- Name three things that I am grateful for in the future.
I have been trying to put a lot of thought into these daily questions. It has never been difficult for me to count my blessings and it has been one of my daily practices to practice gratitude. I find that my life is much fuller if I look for things to be grateful for instead of focusing on the negatives in life. A simple shift to focus on the blessings and good things in life can totally shift my focus.
At church this week we recognized All Saints Days where we remember all of the saints who have passed away during the year. I must admit I was pretty emotional because the first part of 2019 was pretty difficult for me with losing a lot of the “saints” that have had an impact on my life. But then I turned that thought around and was GRATEFUL that those people were in my life. It didn’t take all of the sadness away but it made me realize how blessed I am that I have had so many wonderful people in my life and continue to be blessed with new friendships. Glass half full, folks, glass half full.
If you are looking for something meaningful to do this month I would encourage you to join the 28 Days of Gratitude Challenge by going to the link below. It doesn’t matter if you are coming in a little late – just sign up and Mary will get you included in all of the fun.
28 Days of Gratitude Challenge
Don’t forget to leave me a comment and tell me one thing from present, past or future that you are grateful for. All comments made on the blog this month mean a 50 cent donation to our Comments for a Cause – Shadowbrook Farm. You can read more about that by clicking here and here.
