National Gratitude Month

I meant to post this at the beginning of the month.

 

I’m sorry.

 

But I was reminded it of it today when I was at work because I saw on The Today Show (I think…which show features Hoda?) there were captions that said “Positive Effects of Saying Thank You.*”

 

*This is not a direct quote.

 

On the first day of the year, I learned from my online daily devotional that January is National Thank You Month. The title of the devotion was “31 Days of Thanks.”

 

That idea appealed to me because it seemed like a great way to start the new year. I have read many stories that attribute positive and life-changing effects to keeping gratitude journals (which is what prompted me to start one in March of this year that tapered off somewhere around…March of this year), but I think when we put things in perspective by noting what we do have, we’re less likely to dwell on the things we don’t have.

 

So, I was contemplating the 31 Days of Thanks as some sort of New Year’s Resolution Idea when I came across this video.

 

 

I LOVE this. I would be tempted to try it, but my photographs would not be nearly as well-crafted or poignant as hers. In fact, I’d probably just end up with a lot of pictures of food. So, I don’t know if I should do it, but I thought I’d share it with you all.

 

I’m still considering the possibility, though, and eventually (or sporadically) blogging about it. I don’t know. I’m just thinking out loud here.

 

I’m sad to admit it, but I haven’t decided on a New Year’s resolution yet. I can tell you, however, a few things that it won’t be.

 

A List Of Things That I’ve Already Failed in 2014:

 

1. Getting eight hours of sleep every night.

 

2. Remembering to switch my laundry from the washer to the dryer in a timely fashion.

 

3. Being at peace with paid parking.

 

4. Reading a book a week.

 

5. Giving up coffee.

 

6. Eating out with the polite manners of a debutant rather than a ravenous beast.

 

7. Using the stove to cook.

 

8. Texting with my thumbs like a normal person instead of my pointer finger like I have special needs.

 

9. “Settling down” (unless that involves calling the day quits at 5pm and watching hours of Friends on DVD whilst laying on the floor next to a space heater).

 

10. Giving up on my pursuit of reinstating “Strawberry Shortcake” as a flavor of gum**.

 

**there is a follow up to this story. Please check back soon.

 

Maybe I will try the gratitude thing again, in pictures and in words. It’s easier when you tackle just ONE thing to be thankful for each day because, if you really think about it, there are hundreds of things to be thankful for each day: I’m thankful my car started this morning; I’m thankful I didn’t get a ticket for parking in a “private” lot; I’m thankful I made it to work on time despite not leaving my house on time; I’m thankful I didn’t get a speeding ticket; I’m thankful I got to leave work early; I’m thankful I was able to enjoy my afternoon off by going for a run; I’m thankful it was 50 degrees today; I’m thankful I didn’t twist an ankle while running; I’m thankful the dog didn’t pee in the house while I was gone (or, like the other morning, when I was still there and had just let him out); etc. etc.

 

Even though almost half the month is gone, I challenge you to find something to be thankful for every day for the rest of January. Take a picture, write it down, tell a friend.

 

Go forth and give thanks!

 

“A cheerful heart is good medicine” Proverbs 17:22