Is gratitude something that we feel, or is it something that we do? I think it’s both – although we usually think of it as a natural response to good things happening, we can also make a choice to feel it throughout the day, every day. And the thing that I’ve been noticing in my own life is that the more I practice a heart filled with thankfulness, the more gifts and blessings seem to magically pop up around me. Gratitude almost always gives birth to more gratitude as our eyes are opened to the beauty around us that we easily overlooked before. So on this Christmas Eve, as I wrap the last few presents to place under the tree, I’m choosing to receive the gift of gratitude by slowing down, opening my eyes to what’s all around me and becoming more aware — which I’ve also noticed seems to be the best antidote to stress and worry. There’s something about counting my blessings that puts everything in perspective and calms my mind when it’s racing with anxious thoughts. And there’s no doubt that writing it down makes me more mindful of the simple gifts that bring me joy – from the big to the ordinary.
At the top of my list this Christmas, I want to cultivate more of a sense of gratitude for NOW. As Phoebe races through toddlerhood and we somehow already have our second on the way, it once again surprises me how quickly time slips away. It’s so easy to get caught up in the rush of life with its endless to-do’s that so stealthily steal my attention, and when I’m always focused on the next thing, I miss the beauty of what’s right in front of me. Now is the time to pause, enter into the moment and whisper a prayer of thanksgiving for our friendships, our health, the wonder of nature, and so many other gifts that are often taken for granted.
I just finished reading Gretchen Rubin’s Happier at Home, and in it, she brings up the idea that we’re not really happy unless we think we’re happy. Along those same lines, I think that when we have a heart overflowing with gratitude, especially in the little things, we immediately become richer in love and laughter and joy. In this new year, I want to cultivate a habit that makes gratitude the norm, rather than something that’s saved for Thanksgiving. Do you guys have a practice that helps you find beauty and joy in the everyday experience? I’d love to hear about it in the comments, and merry merry to all of you — hope you have a wonderful little break and savor this time to be with people you love!
*photo credit: the white company via this is glamorous, white hot chocolate by borrowed-light.
Beautiful post! I’m looking forward to slowing down over these next few days and just being grateful for what I have and where I am in life. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday!
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What a wonderful post! My dad passed away in February, so this is my family’s first Christmas without him. The only way I am getting through it with any happiness is by feeling grateful for what I do have.
Thank you for the lovely thoughts, and Merry Christmas!
This is a really beautiful post. Thank you so much for taking the time to write it out in such detail. To be aware and present in the moment is an ongoing process. Singer, songwriter Alan Stone says it well in his song ‘Million’, “You wanna get loose then just learn how to pivot”. When I catch myself stuck in the negative I think “pivot” and I turn what I am looking at around. From angry to acceptance, from frustration to happiness, from sadness to optimism. The tough part is catching myself being stuck, the pivot part is a thrill.
Your words strike me as so true. I have a gratitude journal and every day I find time to take a few moments and write down what I notice with my senses (see, smell, touch, etc) so that I stop and actually focus on the small moments that make each day special.
I love that. I do the same thing on my blog with a series called Sense Appeal
My boyfriend often says, “time spent wasted was not wasted at all.” My doer personality slowly wrapped its head around this and my life has changed for the better since. Now, when i blog, journal, enjoy a long walk or visit with a friend, I feel gratitude rather than guilt.
Especially a post like this!
http://bridgetsowndiary.blogspot.com/2014/11/gee-thanks.html
My boyfriend often says, “time spent wasted was not wasted at all.” My doer personality slowly wrapped its head around this and my life has changed for the better since. Now, when i blog, journal, enjoy a long walk or visit with a friend, I feel gratitude rather than guilt. Especially a post like this!
http://bridgetsowndiary.blogspot.com/2014/11/gee-thanks.html Reply
I can’t remember where I learned this, but at dinner each night I ask my family to think of three things for which they are grateful and share. My girls are 9 and 5. We’ve been doing this since phoebe was 3. Hearing their answers like: “cookies!” “Going outside for recess.” “Books.” Always make me pause and remember all the good I take for granted. Having to share in this setting also makes me focus on the good on my day, rather than the drama.
I love this! And you are so right, just voicing these little blessings makes you aware of them and live coming from a place of gratitude. And how wonderful to be setting this example for your girls, right from the start! And love that your daughter is also named Phoebe. 🙂
I found Happier at Home so inspiring, too. I really like the question you posed about whether gratitude is something you feel or something you do. I think that we all need to DO more gratitude. That is a good goal for a new year.