November was National Gratitude Month. Throughout the year, I sporadically jot down things I'm grateful for in a bright yellow journal with colorful butterfly on the cover. Yep, that's it above. It resides on my nightstand, and I write it in either right before I fall asleep or as I'm sipping my morning coffee. Sometimes I write everyday for a week. Mostly, I pick it up when my heart and mind need to rest and reset. To give you some perspective, the first entry was January 2, 2015. I'm guessing the journal has about 100 pages, and I still have about 20 pages (front and back to fill). So, yeah, I don't often make the time to be mindful about the good things in my my life. Baby steps.
Last month, I was intentional about writing something every day.
Grateful for:
Nov. 1 - The smiles of strangers
Nov. 2 - Kind hospitality
Nov. 3 - Love of my family
Nov. 4 - Coworkers who genuinely want to help me solve a challenge
Nov. 5 - Role models and revolutionaries who show us a new path
Nov. 6 - The opportunity to expand my skill set
Nov. 7 - Dad made it safely through his procedure, and I spent quality time with my sister
Nov. 8 - Self-awareness
Nov. 9 - Time with R, helping her on a school project
Nov. 10 - Sights, sounds, smells discovered on an early morning walk
Nov. 11 - My daughter's willingness to talk with me about her big feelings
Nov. 12 - Sunsets that remind me of pink and blue cotton candy
Nov. 13 - Chatting and laughing with new friends about books and life
Nov. 14 - Comfort food - crispy chicken strips with mashed potatoes and gravy
Nov. 15 - People who make me laugh
Nov. 16 - The opportunity to experience talented actors and actresses in a live performance
Nov. 17 - Sundays filled with both girls, Gilmore Girls and homemade lava cakes
Nov. 18 - A's funny and thoughtful prayer at dinner
Nov. 19 - Warm, sunny November days and time to read outside
Nov. 20 - Compliments from strangers
Nov. 21 - Time with A
Nov. 22 - My sister reaching out
Nov. 23 - Stunningly talented high school students in a production of "Mary Poppins"
Nov. 24 - Trips to Quik Trip with my girls for frozen drinks
Nov. 25 - Unexpected emails from new friends that have simple, genuine messages
Nov. 26 - My health and the health of my family
Nov. 27 - Time with R baking an amazing homemade chocolate cake
Nov. 28 - Belly laughs from Potted Potter (MUST SEE)
Nov. 29 - A memory-filled Christmas tree and ION Plus holiday romance movies
Nov. 30 - A's positive thinking and encouragement when I was struggling
I hope you find at least one person, place or thing to be thankful for each day.
Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real.
