A Gratitude Challenge

For years now, research has been conducted about the power and impact of gratitude on happiness. People who express gratitude are indeed happier, according to many studies.   So why aren’t we all practicing gratitude?  Maybe the world would be a better place if we were? 

During a time in my life when everything felt out of control and super busy, I challenged myself to try it.  Each morning, I’d sit down with my journal and my coffee and write down at least 3 things I was grateful for.  Easy, right?  Some days it was, some not so much.  Some days the first thing I wrote down was “coffee.”  Even in the hardest of seasons, there is much to be grateful for, including the simple joy of a good cup of coffee.

I don’t know when I stopped the daily habit, but over the past few weeks, I’ve had that gnawing feeling it’s time to begin again.  At any given time, I’m working on numerous projects while also juggling family, friends, my work, and myself. Busy doesn’t begin to describe how busy I am, and my brain is often in overdrive.   Brains need time to rest and mine is dropping hints to slow down, take a moment, reflect.  Breathe.

Are you busy being busy? Do you feel like you’re constantly defending yourself from the onslaught of chaos? Maybe it’s at work, at home, in the world, wherever… join me in this challenge:  For the next 30 days, reflect daily for a few moments on all the good in your life.  Recognize it, celebrate it, express your appreciation for it.  I bet you’ll be glad you did.

Today, I am grateful for this beautiful morning made up of many things:  the quiet of a house filled with family (they’re still sleeping as I write), the sun shining brightly outside, this space and time to write and reflect, and yes, my coffee.  The more I reflect on the good things in my life, the more quickly the list grows – there is so much to be grateful for in this crazy, busy world. 

Feel free to drop a comment sharing about your experience with gratitude practice!