The holidays inspire us to be grateful. At Thanksgiving, family members take turns answering the question, “What are you most thankful for this year?” In December, we write holiday cards sharing highlights and blessings from the past year. As the year comes to an end, we reflect on what we have cherished and appreciated.
How do we keep this gratitude going in the new year? I suggest two strategies to help develop daily gratitude. One is a personal journal and the other is a fun family activity.
Years ago, I began keeping a gratitude journal after reading Sarah Ban Breathnach’s book, Simple Abundance. Ban Breathnach recommends starting a gratitude journal in January and writes, “you will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life.” Choose a special or inviting blank book and write five things you are grateful for daily. On a day you’re feeling less inspired, your list might be simple: my health, my family, my morning cup of coffee... On other days it might be more detailed: the quiet after last night’s snowfall, my son holding my hand, a friend’s homemade strawberry-rhubarb pie… Savor the moments you appreciate, whether simple or grand, by recording them in your journal.
A fun family gratitude practice is what I call Three Greats and a Grow. Take time during dinner or the bedtime routine to share three great things that happened during the day, and one thing that encourages growth. Focusing on three great moments helps prevent our natural tendency to emphasize the negative. These moments can be simple (I had a great chocolate doughnut for breakfast) or more elaborate (I finished the project I have been working on for three weeks). Conversely, discussing a challenge honors the importance of set-backs. Psychologist Carol Dweck teaches that discussing challenges and failures helps to develop competency and resilience. When we ask our kids to reflect on Three Greats and a Grow, we model that challenges and successes are equally important to growth and development.
Whichever method you choose to practice daily gratitude, think of it as practice. As with any habit we hope to develop, practice makes the difference. If you slip up one day, get back to practicing it the next. Your gratitude will grow by consistently aligning your intention with action. You will have created a daily practice that carries you graciously into next year’s holiday season.
Wishing you a Happy New Year and a year full of abundance.
How do we keep this gratitude going in the new year? I suggest two strategies to help develop daily gratitude. One is a personal journal and the other is a fun family activity.
Years ago, I began keeping a gratitude journal after reading Sarah Ban Breathnach’s book, Simple Abundance. Ban Breathnach recommends starting a gratitude journal in January and writes, “you will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life.” Choose a special or inviting blank book and write five things you are grateful for daily. On a day you’re feeling less inspired, your list might be simple: my health, my family, my morning cup of coffee... On other days it might be more detailed: the quiet after last night’s snowfall, my son holding my hand, a friend’s homemade strawberry-rhubarb pie… Savor the moments you appreciate, whether simple or grand, by recording them in your journal.
A fun family gratitude practice is what I call Three Greats and a Grow. Take time during dinner or the bedtime routine to share three great things that happened during the day, and one thing that encourages growth. Focusing on three great moments helps prevent our natural tendency to emphasize the negative. These moments can be simple (I had a great chocolate doughnut for breakfast) or more elaborate (I finished the project I have been working on for three weeks). Conversely, discussing a challenge honors the importance of set-backs. Psychologist Carol Dweck teaches that discussing challenges and failures helps to develop competency and resilience. When we ask our kids to reflect on Three Greats and a Grow, we model that challenges and successes are equally important to growth and development.
Whichever method you choose to practice daily gratitude, think of it as practice. As with any habit we hope to develop, practice makes the difference. If you slip up one day, get back to practicing it the next. Your gratitude will grow by consistently aligning your intention with action. You will have created a daily practice that carries you graciously into next year’s holiday season.
Wishing you a Happy New Year and a year full of abundance.