Last November I participated in the 30 Days of Thanks from my blog. It was a great opportunity for me to publicly express gratitude each day for all the wonderful blessings in my life. This year I continue expressing gratitude, and thought I would share some things that I do that might be interesting to know.
- The ABC Game: Sometimes I get down in the dumps about what is going on around me. It might be a disagreement with someone, or just feeling sorry for myself. Often this comes upon me in the middle of the night when things really seem so much worse. (That’s not just me, is it?) Here is what I do- turn it all around and think of the positive things in that situation and play “The ABC Game.” I take whatever the scenario is. Let’s say I have less than happy thoughts about someone. I give serious consideration to the wonderful qualities in that person and run through the alphabet naming a quality that person has that begins with each letter. “She is adorable, beautiful, clever, dear, ebullient, friendly, gracious, happy…” and you get the picture. Sometimes I have to go through the alphabet a time or two. Or three. But by the end of the exercise I am content and feeling good about the person or situation.
- Gratitude Journal: At night before bed, crawl up in bed with a pretty journal book and nice pen and just start writing what you are grateful for that day. Even if all you seem to be grateful for is that it rained that day and you didn’t have to water. Once you start writing you will find that you really have a lot of things to be grateful for. I did this for a couple of months and it made me sleep better, because by the time I was through with the exercise, I was feeling positive and full of, well, gratitude! Try to write 3 things each night. (Of course you know what happens next…more good starts to come into your life. It always does.)
- Do something unexpected for someone: In today’s world we are busy and often don’t take the time to really connect. One of the key motivators in my life is spending time with family and friends, so I take time to do so. It might be a phone call to someone I haven’t talked to in a while. It may be a card or letter. Over and over I hear people say how much they appreciate me making the effort to stay in touch. And I know when someone calls me up or sends me an email out of the blue how wonderful it makes me feel. So, take some time to spend time with those you love. Maybe throw a little party for your friends that you LOVE being around. I’m talking open the chips, store bought dip, and something to drink. Tell each of them how much you enjoy their company and what you love most about them. It doesn’t matter if they don’t know each other. After going around the room, each person will see these new friends as the fabulous people that you see.
Go on now. Express some gratitude!