Over the years I have learned for myself that thankfulness is a discipline. There are certainly times when thankfulness is just an overflow of something I’m experiencing, but most normal days, it requires focus and intentionality in order for me to cultivate being thankful.
I can sometimes get to a place of negativity, criticism, cynicism, and defeat. I know that if I’m operating in any of these regularly, it’s time to re-boot and reset. I have a few top solutions that I rely on in order to shift my attitude. So today, I’m sharing 5 Ways I Stay Thankful.
#1: Wake up before everyone and take time to myself. Every morning, all year round, as soon as my alarm goes off, I head downstairs, grab my coffee and head to my little office and have my quiet time. During this time, I am alone (I get up at 5:00am most days to ensure that I will be uninterrupted) and I go through a bible study or devotional.
Also during this time I am intentional to journal first and list what I’m thankful for. Especially on days when I feel stressed, anxious or tired. This 5 minute act immediately changes my focus. Some days it is paragraphs and overflowing with gratitude and praises. But some days it is me writing out #1-3, and forcing myself to fill in one-worded bulletpoints of what I’m thankful for.
#2: Make a daily family habit of sharing highs and lows. Each night at dinner (on nights where we’re not running to sports), our family goes around and we each share our highs (something good that happened) and lows (something not so fun that occurred) from our day.
This is such a profound way to enter into each other’s world, since we are apart for 8 hours. This is also a healthy practice for our family to give one person the floor without distraction or interruption, which is often hard with a family of six! We are very strict about not allowing interjections or sarcasm to enter in while someone is sharing, otherwise the stronger personalities easily shut down the softer personalities within our family.
If our kids are extra cranky, we choose to just go with highs. In addition, if one of our kids is being extra spicy to their sibling, we will have them think of three things they are thankful for in that particular sibling.
#3: Get outside! I am naturally an indoorsy kind of person. I would much rather be inside in a cozy spot of the house reading or planning or organizing something. However, I have learned that getting outside clears my mind, allows me to look up and around and get out of my tunnel vision.
I have to remind myself to not stare at the ground while I walk, because I can still overthink. It resets my outlook when I’m looking up at the sky, the trees or the water.
#4: Write a note to someone. A note or text to a loved one or friend, telling them how much I appreciate them, is a simple way to remind myself of what I have. It simultaneously encourages that person and strengthens our relationship!
#5: Invite someone over. This combats isolation, which is a quick path to apathy and depression. As an introvert, I usually like sticking to my family and regular routine at home, but I know that being with people is refreshing for my soul. It almost always makes me feel more connected to others, which in turn, helps me to see my need for others and vice versa.
I am not always postured in thankfulness, nor do I have all the answers. But I have learned throughout the years what works for our family and what does not. I do know that when we are focused on making these five things a priority throughout our week, there is a peaceful spirit in our home.
If you need some inspiration to stay motivated, I shared Ways I Stay: Motivated back in January.
Hope one of these helps you cultivate thankful hearts within your home. I would LOVE to hear some of the ways you keep yourself or your family thankful, please share! I would love to read YOURS! xoxo
