“Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Several years ago, I was challenged by a close mentor to embark on a journey of gratitude throughout the month of November. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, she encouraged my leadership class to keep a daily log of things, people, and experiences that we were grateful for. The instructions of the challenge were simple: write down three things that make you happy every day during November. This may not seem like much, but by the end of the month, my peers and I found a list of 90+ blessings!
Completing this exercise annually since then has transformed me and infused my daily living with more positivity. Just as my mentor did, I challenge you all to spend this month in a spirit of thanksgiving as you prepare your heart for the holiday season! Despite the insanity of today’s circumstances, there remain a multitude of blessings all around us. Intentionally look at the already existing beauty in your life and give thanks for it. Not sure where to begin? Here are some helpful prompts to consider as you search for simple joys:
- Who
-
· Are your best friends?
· Helped you with a task today?
· Makes you smile when their name lights up your phone screen?
· Challenges you the most?
· Called or texted you recently?
- What
-
· Do you have that others around the world would consider a luxury?
· Makes you unique?
· Food did you eat today?
· Is your favorite song?
· Season do you enjoy the most?
- When
-
· Do you get to see your favorite person again?
· Can you sleep in?
· Is your Thanksgiving celebration with family?
· Will you travel next?
· Are you off work?
- Where
-
· Do you live?
· Is your favorite place to travel?
· Do you feel most at home?
· Are you originally from?
· Is your favorite place to shop?
- Why
-
· Did you choose to participate in this challenge?
· Are you in school?
· Do you wake up in the morning?
· Do you love your family?
· Are you thankful?
There are countless things to be grateful for! Find a safe space for your thoughts to live in that you can return to daily. You can either log your gratitude in real time, or reflect on the day as a whole before heading to bed. Feel free to share this list on December 1st with friends and family. I wish you an abundance of health, happiness, peace, and prosperity this holiday season and always!
