I was just reading about a project called the Gratitude Challenge. For 21 days a group of bloggers are going to write about being grateful, appreciating the small things in life, being happy.
Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy — because we will always want to have something else or something more.
-Brother David Steindl-Rast
It is a tougher challenge that it seems, I think, to constantly live this way. How many of us go through our day grumbling about things. Dwelling on things that people have said that may have hurt our feelings. Getting angry at that person who cut us off in traffic. Or maybe annoyed at the friend who always cancels plans at the last minute. Those are the sort of things that can cause you to feel down or angry.
How much better it would be to find the small things that happen each day that are worthy of gratitude. Even the worst days offer something, if only the sun in the sky.
Usually we tend to think about gratitude during Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season. And we make things with our children like “Trees of Thanks” and write things that we are grateful for on construction paper leaves. Then the holidays end and most of us go back to being our cynical selves. Instead, what if we looked at the world everyday with grateful eyes. Would that change our perception of our life? Would it, in fact, make us happier?
I am mulling some ideas on how to incorporate this sort of thinking daily into my life and that of my children. To encourage them to consciously be grateful.
So what are you grateful for? And let’s skip the obvious ones, easy ones like your family. Let’s look for the small things that often go unappreciated.
I’ll start off:
I am grateful for the flowers that grow outside my kitchen window and bloom even in oppressive heat with little water.
I am grateful for stain removing spray.
I am grateful for new hardcover books with dust jackets.
I am grateful for climbing into my bed with freshly washed, crisp sheets.
I am grateful that our zucchini plant is finally giving fruit!
I am grateful to come home to a clena house after a quick vacation.
I am grateful that my children are snoozing peacefully in their own beds instead of pushing me out of our tiny hotel bed.
Comment by Ani — August 18, 2009 @ 8:09 pm
I am grateful for my cup of hot coffee. Even though it’s 100% humidity and 80 degrees at 8 in the morning.
Comment by Sharon — August 19, 2009 @ 7:55 am
I am grateful for my cup of hot coffee.
Comment by Sharon — August 19, 2009 @ 7:56 am
I am grateful that my new daughter slept for 4 hours last night.
Comment by DW — August 19, 2009 @ 8:58 am
I am greatful that school starts on Monday and I will have more quiet time with my wonderful husband again.
I am greatful that God sends me a nice cool breeze when I need it on a long exercising walk.
I am thankful for my morning cup of Chai tea for without it my day doesn’t start out well.
I am thankful for the love of my children.
Comment by Jenny — August 20, 2009 @ 8:27 am
I AM THANKFUL FOR MY GRAND CHILDRENS I LOVE THEM SO MUCH I THANK GOD ALL THE TIME AND WHEN I AM DONE I SEND THEM HOME.
Comment by ruthie mcdowell — August 20, 2009 @ 1:04 pm
I am thankful for seeing the sunrise and the sunset on the same day.
I am thankful for every second I spend with those I love.
I am thankful for the sound of my grandchildren’s laughter.
I am thankful for others who appreciate the happiness and joy in the small things around us.
Comment by nancy — August 20, 2009 @ 2:48 pm
I am grateful that God is a patient God!
Comment by Penny — August 21, 2009 @ 9:46 am
This post reminds me of an article I saw in a newspaper some time ago. It said that in addition to being grateful for even the smallest of things, that to smile. Smile at everything. It will make you feel better, make those around you feel better, and help you to see the little things that you should be grateful for. Just a side note. I am going to have to try the 21 days of grateful and see how it changes my view!! Thank you for opening my eyes!
I am grateful for my 1 year old’s curiosity. It means he is healthy and able to get around on his own.
I am grateful for my 6 year old’s constant questions. It means she is trying to figure out the world around her and is smart to notice even the little things.
I am grateful for my oldest son’s hugs and kisses. It means he will never be too shy to give his mama hugs and kisses.
And I am always grateful for the love and support of my husband and all of our family!
Comment by Kelli — August 24, 2009 @ 12:09 am
I am grateful for the ability to read and excape from my life for a few hours each day.
Comment by Amber — August 24, 2009 @ 1:31 pm
i am grateful for rechargeable batteries, no spill sippy cups or water bottles, and glow in the dark sticky stars. Life wouldn’t be the same without them!
Comment by Claire — August 26, 2009 @ 11:29 pm
Iam grateful for having two healthy and happy young boys. Their excitement over the simple things make me happy, oh and their hugs and kisses are the best!!
Comment by Debbie — August 27, 2009 @ 5:53 pm
Sorry..question not related to subject..can you please tell me..in the handi land game, do children get to type there own questions instead of choosing things from the drop down lists?? I can’t figure it out if so. Please help!!
Comment by Jessica — August 28, 2009 @ 4:29 pm
Yes – When you are in the score card area, click on edit under your child’s cat’s name. Then select Standard safe mode. This will enable them to type. I have instrumented my children they are not allowed to use numbers, so they cannot type their phone, or address. I have not seen a chat review for moms to monitor their kitten’s conversations, so every so often, check what they are typing.
To make this part of the thread – I am grateful for bouncing boards and support systems like mommy points to help me and my kids stay on task! Without this, the work may still get done, but it wouldn’t be as fun without Handipoints! Enjoy!
Comment by Claire — September 1, 2009 @ 7:39 am
Hi
I struggled with saying ‘grace’ at meal times as it had little meaning. I now ask everyone during our evening meal what they are grateful to God for today. It brings consciousness to being grateful for simple things and it helps us to share our day.
Comment by Irma — September 5, 2009 @ 7:45 am
I appreciate this post very much, it does help me think more often as well for what I am grateful for. I like the comment about when saying grace asking everyone what they are grateful for that day. I will have to incorporate that as well into our lives, thanks for the idea
I am grateful for a selfless husband who is a military husband/father who faces war knowing he is fighting for a wonderful cause…all of us! Thank you honey I love you so much!
I am grateful for friends who are truly friends with no strings attached just friends who love you and are there for you no matter what!
I am thankful for God’s beautiful sky, He makes wonderful cloud formations, and this is God’s canvas for all of us to enjoy everyday.
I am also thankful for my life
Comment by Jamie — September 6, 2009 @ 11:24 pm