A dear friend suggested I start a Gratitude Journal several years ago during a very traumatic time in my life, and it was one of the best tips I have received. The darker the days, the more important it is to be mindful in looking for the good in our lives. Here are a few ideas to get you started: the smile on a loved one’s face, sun peeking through a cloudy day, healthy food to eat, warm shower, cozy bed, job to pay the bills, friends who love you warts and all, and the unconditional love of a dog. Try writing 3 things to be grateful for every day and notice how much lighter you feel and that you smile more often. Wear an Attitude of Gratitude!
I thank God daily for my many blessings. I am aware of how important it is to express gratitude to others. I feel such joy seeing the smiles on faces when I give an unexpected hug. Have you ever given a big hug to someone and you could just feel them soften into your embrace? An easy gift to others is a smile. Watch the smiles emerge when you offer a genuine smile, and notice the twinkle in their eyes.
Nurturing relationships is an important part of our lives and will have a huge impact on our overall health and well-being. Simple courtesies such as “please” and “thank you” are rare these days.
A few gifts might be: smile, hug, open the door for someone carrying packages into the post office, greet the receptionist at your health club with a smile and give them verbal thanks for getting up so early every day so you are able to workout at 5:30 am, encourage a peer who is struggling with an aspect of their business, show a newbie to technology how to use their new smart phone, sweep the floors or vacuum for an elderly loved one, or offer to watch the baby for a new Mom.
What are some ideas you have for gifts that don’t cost money? Look outward for ways to spread love and joy this holiday season and your soul will be nourished. Make it a day of giving thanks!
Take time for yourself this holiday season and go for a walk outside, play with a child, soak in a warm bath, try a new food, or take a yoga class. You will be pleasantly surprised how you see the cup as half full and have more energy.
Journal for a Cup that is Half Full
I help women in their 40's - 60's who are overwhelmed by what to eat, feel exhausted, lost in yo-yo dieting and desperately want a health blueprint for their body in the midst of information overload. I created a 3 step approach to help women discover their divine blueprint so they have more energy for life, have better sleep and less belly bloat when they eat. Are you ready? 