Be Thankful

Know what a useful skill is? Practicing gratitude. Daily.

And each day, finding something else to be thankful for. It can’t be something you’ve already said.

It’s easy at first.

Your family. A loved one. Waking up. Your health.

Then, after about 10 days, you feel stuck. You actually have to work to find something to be thankful for. Something to be intentionally appreciative of.

Now, you start looking back at moments throughout the day. The conversation that led to a better outcome. The small interaction at the water cooler with an employee you don’t usually connect with. Someone let you in their lane while you were driving because you were in a hurry.

By reflecting, you start rewiring what you’re paying attention to every day.

You stop looking for the negative and complaining.

Also, you start seeking out moments of gratitude in advance. You begin creating moments of gratitude. It’s not just about reflecting on them, it’s about creating them.

You give power to what you focus on. If you’re constantly looking for things to be thankful for each day, you’ll find more things to be thankful for. You’ll also make those moments for others.

It’s a simple yet disciplined way to go about your days. Like any skill, it takes work. Making the decision to find something to be grateful for each day.

Today, consider something out of the ordinary that you’re thankful for. Challenge yourself to do that every day this week.

What are you grateful for?