Back in January, I set a goal to write at least one thing I am grateful for each and every day in a journal a client gave me for Christmas. Six months later, I definitely have a few takeaways from this exercise:
1. It is EXTREMELY hard to set a goal that requires you to do something Every. Single. Day for an entire year! This just goes to show that smart, measurable, attainable, time sensitive and REALISTIC goals - specifically short term ones - are a better option. (Notice the SMART goal-setting acronym, anyone?) ;)
2. While the past few months I've slacked on putting pen to paper daily, it has been therapeutic to reflect back on what I appreciate in my day-to-day life. Of course friends, family & my basic needs made cameos on my list, but other unexpected ones were written down as well: From free time during a busy day, to warm weather, to uplifting coworkers....even chocolate made it by February!! My point is, this exercise allowed me to find even the smallest things in life that brought me joy, appreciation, or put a smile on my face.
3. Even though I was unable to make daily entries 100% of the time, I'm noticing that internally I'm experiencing gratitude more often. By focusing energy on the positives in my life, it's hard to validate complaining about minuscule things. It doesn't matter that I'm overly exhausted as a working mom, or that my savings account funds are microscopic...I have to say overall I'm pretty damn blessed!
4. Not only am I observing these "a-ha!" moments, I'm also being more vocal to let others know I am grateful for them & their actions. I'm calling my mom and mother-in-law more often, I am verbally thanking others for their random acts of kindness, I purposefully pump up my peers with positive words - because karma is a real thing! I truly believe the more good you give to the world, the more you'll get in return.
So question is, do I plan on continuing this goal of writing my 'gratitudes' down for the remainder of the year? Well unbeknownst to me at the beginning of 2018, my journal only has ~150 entry spots - HA! So it actually is almost filled up already. I'm unsure if I'll go out and buy another specific journal for this project, but I think I'll continue to journal on my own, in conjunction with noticing/verbally sharing what is valuable to me. I mean, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results; so why would I quit doing something that has obviously shown it's worth in my life!?
Ironically enough to my last sentence, I also plan to make increased effort to write blog posts more regularly. I love writing, so why not carve out time each week to make that happen!? I have plenty of topics I can't wait to share, including body image, yoga & mom stuff, and so much more - So stay tuned all!
2. While the past few months I've slacked on putting pen to paper daily, it has been therapeutic to reflect back on what I appreciate in my day-to-day life. Of course friends, family & my basic needs made cameos on my list, but other unexpected ones were written down as well: From free time during a busy day, to warm weather, to uplifting coworkers....even chocolate made it by February!! My point is, this exercise allowed me to find even the smallest things in life that brought me joy, appreciation, or put a smile on my face.
3. Even though I was unable to make daily entries 100% of the time, I'm noticing that internally I'm experiencing gratitude more often. By focusing energy on the positives in my life, it's hard to validate complaining about minuscule things. It doesn't matter that I'm overly exhausted as a working mom, or that my savings account funds are microscopic...I have to say overall I'm pretty damn blessed!
4. Not only am I observing these "a-ha!" moments, I'm also being more vocal to let others know I am grateful for them & their actions. I'm calling my mom and mother-in-law more often, I am verbally thanking others for their random acts of kindness, I purposefully pump up my peers with positive words - because karma is a real thing! I truly believe the more good you give to the world, the more you'll get in return.
So question is, do I plan on continuing this goal of writing my 'gratitudes' down for the remainder of the year? Well unbeknownst to me at the beginning of 2018, my journal only has ~150 entry spots - HA! So it actually is almost filled up already. I'm unsure if I'll go out and buy another specific journal for this project, but I think I'll continue to journal on my own, in conjunction with noticing/verbally sharing what is valuable to me. I mean, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results; so why would I quit doing something that has obviously shown it's worth in my life!?
Ironically enough to my last sentence, I also plan to make increased effort to write blog posts more regularly. I love writing, so why not carve out time each week to make that happen!? I have plenty of topics I can't wait to share, including body image, yoga & mom stuff, and so much more - So stay tuned all!
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