Skip to main content

Gratitude Take 2

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!
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

When "Food As Medicine" Isn't Always Helpful

I recently listened to a podcast (I'll share the link below) that really inspired me to write my own post on the topic. Throughout my dietetics career, I myself have spouted the term "Food is your medicine" to clients in a number of different settings.  Let's be honest - it's simple, catchy, almost tongue in cheek; hence why it's used in sooooo many taglines by professionals giving nutrition education.  I think most people who use it aren't intending harm, but rather trying to meet clients or audiences where they are at.  In our dietetics curriculum, we are taught that there are many health benefits to consuming a variety of nutrients, so at the surface level, treating what you eat as "medicine" might feel useful at first. So where could this otherwise harmless statement actually become harmful ?  In my experience working with disordered eating patients, "Food as medicine" can become a way for the ED to twist and factualize the client&#
4 comments
Read more

What Health at Every Size REALLY Means

The Health at Every Size movement (also known by it's acronym, HAES) has a mission to provide compassionate health care to ALL.  Straight from it's web resource www.haescommunity.com : " Health at Every Size® principles help us advance social justice, create an inclusive and respectful community, and support people of all sizes in finding compassionate ways to take care of themselves. But first, let's start from the beginning.  In 2010, before this was considered a "movement," Dr. Linda Bacon wrote & published the book Health at Every Size , which was based on her groundbreaking research to de-stigmatize our society's view on weight and health.  If you try to order a copy of this book online, its description on Amazon says it all: "Fat isn't the problem.  Dieting is."  Contrary to popular belief, HAES is NOT about foregoing all health and nutrition information - in fact it isn't even anti-weight loss!  Let's dive into t
1 comment
Read more

POEM: "Rad Women Everywhere"

Image taken from Poetry and Feminism website. Illustration by Shyama Golden.     Whoever told you your body was shameful is a LIAR. Because guess what? My body does not have to apologize for EXISTING.   That new diet or weight loss strategy is a HOAX. Reality says otherwise: Those numbers and calories are IRRELEVANT. Girl, you don't need to read the menu.   The history books may write us off as emotional, hysterical, and UNIMPORTANT. Yet our bodies are put on pedestals For others to judge or compliment, Like that's the only part of us that's of VALUE.   The patriarchy would rather   SILENCE us . Internalizing their belief that "We don't matter." When in fact we should be WORSHIPPED. As we have the power to continue this humanity, ...or not.   To all the rad women: you are BRAVE; you are SENSATIONAL; and you are ENOUGH. One day they will be screaming from the mountain tops; R
Post a Comment
Read more