Here we are…almost to the beginning of yet another new year. Have you make any resolutions? Are you still going strong with the current year’s resolutions? Have you ever considered instead on just being grateful? Maybe you are saying right now, “I am grateful.” Well then, I challenge you…how deep does that gratitude go? Let’s dive into the ABCs of Gratitude!
Like everyone else, I feel I am full of gratitude. Recently though, I have discovered that I tend to ignore the “small” stuff…you know, take it for granted! As I sit here typing, I look at my hands (which are not pretty and stylish like so many of my friends and family members), and I realize how blessed I am to have the ability to use my hands in the way I want. I love to write….and my hands allow me to do that.
Heck, I have a computer! I am definitely blessed to have a computer. Have I ever sat and pondered why that is such a blessing? Of course, it allows me to write….but I have started digging deeper than the obvious. It allows me to keep in touch with my family and friends, pay my bills, watch videos and movies, research ANY topic my heart desires, create fun graphics for blogging and party planning, research my family geneology, create spreadsheets, and on and on!
What’s Your Point?
My point is, I am learning to focus deeper on the everyday things in my life AND I FEEL GREAT! Seriously, it has given me such a sense of happiness that I haven’t felt in a long time. Is this a New Year’s resolution…No! I just have been reading so many different ideas on finding joy in everyday life, and I believe I have hit the jackpot!
I’m sitting here in awe….seriously everyone….in AWE of just how much this little “project” is making me more grateful and appreciative in my everyday life. Of course, now I want to share it with you in hopes that you, too, will enjoy it as much as I am.
How Do I “DO” the ABCs of Gratitude?~
The biggest recommendation I have for you is to cut out a little bit of “me” time before you start this project. Time that you can just sit and focus….for a few minutes, for a half hour or just work on it various times over a period of several days. That’s the beauty of it….there are no steadfast rules.
Drumroll please……..
Yes, it’s that easy!
If you are like me, you want it to be on some pretty paper, but that’s not necessary. I am going to provide you with several free downloads if you would like to use those. However, you can also just write it out on a plain old sheet of paper or in a journal/notebook.
The next part is where it gets a little tricky! You can’t fill in the blanks with the items/people that you are always thankful for. You know what I’m talking about…the spouse, the children, the grandchildren and the furry children. That’s why you need a little quiet time so you can sit and think.
The good part is that nothing….and I mean NOTHING is a stupid answer. Trust me on this! You will understand that more once we get to the next step!
Free Downloads ~
I have created some fun printouts for you to use….just click on the green link after each image!
Greenery Pattern Gratitude Sheet
Unicorn Pattern Gratitude Sheet
Brown Floral Pattern Gratitude Sheet
Superhero Pattern Gratitude Sheet
Journals & Fun Notebooks ~
You can also use a beautiful journal. Gorgeous books filled with decorative pages make me happy. Do you feel that way too? Stampington & Company has amazing products.
This Magical Thinking Journal is perfect for the project!
Paper House Productions is another favorite online site I love:
This Batman Mini Notebook could be a fun booklet for kids to use!
Here is another super cute journal for writing out thoughts!
The Next Step to ABCs of Gratitude ~
Once you print out the form or get your journal, you are ready to get to work. Think of a word for every letter of the alphabet. Remember, I told you earlier that there is NO wrong answer. When I did this, I first thought some of the words seemed somewhat juvenile. What is interesting is where each word will eventually lead you! Here is what I came up with:
My very first word was apples. Shouldn’t it be more substantial like air or authenticity? Well, those are good answers too, but I went with what my mind first went to. You may find that as you think of each letter of the alphabet, it is a bit harder to come up with a word you think is “good.”
I chose to write out a word for every letter of the alphabet in one sitting. You can follow this method or choose to go back and add to it throughout a set amount of time if you wish. After completing the list, I sat and focused on it.
Being thankful for apples is obvious for the very reason of food and nutrition. This is where I challenge you to go further. Why else am I thankful for apples?
- Wildlife – Many animals in wildlife love apples, apple peels, etc. I am so grateful for animals in our world.
- Compost – Apples are good for compost…they provide a good source of nitrogen. I love gardening!
- Songs – There are so many fun songs to sing with your kids about apples….music makes me happy.
- Dessert – Some very delicious desserts are made with apples…and I love desserts!
Hopefully you are getting the idea here. Take time to focus on each word and the MANY different reasons you are thankful for it. You have now gone beyond the obvious and focused on so many things that you may have taken for granted. Seriously, have you ever even considered being thankful for compost??? I sure haven’t…but I am now!
I have chosen to focus on each word over several days. It has been very fun to see where each word leads me to! Give it a try…you may be surprised where it leads you!
Grateful to be sharing this with you…
Mimi
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