Grow Your Gratitude: Happy Thanks-Living! & The M.O.M. Initiative Monday Link Up!

Spread the love

The Typical 2

I’ve always heard that there are two ways to focus on thankfulness:

  1. Keep track of what I’m thankful for (i.e. in a gratitude journal)
  2. Share my gratitude with those for whom I’m thankful (i.e. by writing a thank-you note)

 

A New (for Me) #3

But over the last month, I’ve discovered a new way — new for me, at least! — to focus on thankfulness.

I’ve been asking people this question throughout the day:

“What’s one thing you’re thankful for right now?”

And I marvel at the diversity, the depth, the humor, and the honesty of each answer.

Each time, I think, “Me, too!” or “Oh, yeah!” or “I’d forgotten!” or “That’s so true” or “That reminds me of ____!”

 

Others’ Gratitude Triggers My Thanks-Living

I’ve started writing down other people’s answers in my gratitude journal and then adding my response.

Here are a few examples with answers from adults:

  • Our son got a job today after looking forever!!!  (Me:  My daughter is applying to go to Italy for her final year of college!)
  • My good friend is visiting today. (Me: I spent some time Thursday morning with a good friend I don’t get to see much during the school year.)
  • Honestly, my morning coffee. (Me:  Honestly, my morning coffee.)
  • God’s mercy. (Me: ditto…plus patience and promises!)
  • My new friend. (Me: An acquaintance that is turning into a dear friend.)
  • My son not needing a third shot for his ear infection.  (Me: My husband staying healthy despite stress, lack of sleep, and a nasty bug making the rounds!)

And if you want to have some “serious fun,” ask kids!

  • My 13 year old son is grateful that he got a new release video game for 10% off. (Me: My new Coldwater Creek skirt that I could not possibly justify buying at full-price three months ago but that I was more than happy to buy at 40% off the 40% off!  LOVE wearing it…!)
  • My 4 year old in PreK said he was thankful for Mommy’s car. (Me:  That my car made it to San Jose despite a bad tire; that roadside service came in 25 minutes when I found said tire flat as a pancake.)
  • My 14 year old said, “Everything, Mom. Every breath!”  (Me:  The reminder to be thankful for every breath!)
  • Evan, age 7: “Legos” (Me: Fond memories of the Lego years and the American Girl doll years.)

FREE Grow Your Gratitude Journal Starter

Want more?  Download your FREE “Grow Your Gratitude” journal starter, with 7 pages of thanks-living trigger answers from adults and kids to get you going!

Then develop the habit of asking people throughout the day, every day:  “What’s one thing you’re thankful for right now?”

Have a Happy Thanks-Living…Thursday and every day!


I’d LOVE your input on the cover and title of my upcoming eBook based on May’s The PURSE-onality Challenge!  If you take this short survey, the final question invites you to leave your e-mail address so I can send you a FREE copy of the eBook when it’s done!

 

So, now it’s time to LINK UP & join the fun, meet new friends & make your message more available to others!

 

(Oh…and please be sure to grab our Link Up button on the sidebar! :-) )




Stephanie Shott
Latest posts by Stephanie Shott (see all)
Share