Thankful Thursday: Gratitude

Gratitude is defined as “the quality of being thankful”…..or I think this one better “an emotion expressing appreciation for what one has”.

I will admit this has been a struggle for me.  There have been moments when I have appreciated what I have, not comparing myself to others or wishing for something better or different.  For many years, I never lived in the moment – I was always planning the future or regretting something in the past.  Over the last 18 months, life has become very different.  Recovery is teaching me (again) how to live in the moment and be grateful for what I have.  Do I slip into those moments of comparing myself to others?  ABSOLUTELY!!!

Every night as I relax and reflect on the day, I have been thanking God for the blessings he has given me.  Even on my worst days, there is a blessing to be had or a lesson to be learned.  Taking a gratitude walk through my day has helped me to appreciate where I am instead of regretting the past or wishing for the future.  It helps me to not miss out on the special moments of the day.  Have you ever taken a gratitude walk?

November is the kickoff to a season full of gratitude.  Some feel they have nothing to be thankful for.  Others are too busy trying to fit into a role others have set for them to appreciate what they have.  Some are dreading the holidays as this will be their first holiday with out their special someone. Some are just thankful they have lived to see another day. What ever your frame of mind is, I am hoping this video clip from Kid President will make you smile – I know it always brings a smile to my face.

How many of these have you forgotten to say sometimes? As we approach the holiday season and begin to consider our blessings, maybe it is also time to add some of these “words” back into our everyday conversations. It is amazing what a simple “thank you” can do to change a person’s perspective on a day. What was your favorite one?

Have a blessed day!

Hump Day Gratitude

Good Morning Everyone! It is Wednesday, traditionally known as “hump day”. The middle of the week when we feel like if we made it to this, we can tackle the rest of the week, right? This Wednesday is different because it is actually the day BEFORE Thanksgiving and is probably one of the most stressful days of the year.  Of course, some may have a LONG (4 day) weekend so you are celebrating because today is your Friday.

For me, it is an exciting day… Belinda & Ashley arrive today along with one of the fur grand babies.  It will be a fun filled 3 days.  I can’t wait to see how Oreo (our cat) deals with Everest (the husky).

Some people are getting off work early.  Some people are doing the last minute grocery shopping – can you say “panic” in the food stores.  Some people are venturing out on the most traveled day of the year to visit family and friends. Some are home cooking for the guests arriving tomorrow. Some are dreading the holidays as this will be their first holiday with out that special someone. Some are just thankful they have lived to see another day. What ever your frame of mind is, I am hoping this video clip from Kid President will make you smile:

How many of these have you forgotten to say sometimes? As we approach Thanksgiving and begin to consider all of our blessings, maybe it is also time to add some of these “words” back into our everyday conversations. It is amazing what a simple “thank you” can do to change a person’s perspective on a day. What was your favorite one?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!