Gratitude is a Tool
Yes! Gratitude is a tool and a powerful way to train our brains to focus on what is going RIGHT instead of what is going wrong.
One of my favorite strategies to foster gratitude is recording a “story-worthy” moment from each day. I call it my daily reflection. I’m going to share a few with you here below from the past year:
Adam and I are heading to bed and the light is still on in Damien's room. I hear a little voice inside and wonder what he is listening to, I open the door to tell him it's time for lights out and he is tucked in his bed reading Curious George to himself. I say goodnight, he smiles and waves as I close the door. I wait outside his door to listen. "Why here was a sled!" "The crowd was amazed!" "The ski snapped right in half!" "What is he doing!? Is he skiing, is he sledding? He is surfing in the snow!" I hear as he reads the book to himself.
The boys have taken up the new nightly activity of doing a procession before bed. They carry their "bibles" and circle around the first floor singing and chanting in "Latin." It is the sweetest thing how much they love doing it. Harland wanders around after them folding his hands, tripping at times and getting distracted as the procession takes place. I love watching his sweet, round toddler body waddling around.
While helping Oliver get PJs on he saw a moth on the window. “Oh! Butterfly!” He shouted in glee. He was so thrilled to see it and try to tap it away with his finger on the glass. When it flew away he giggled and shrieked with his hands in a fist and he turned to me and smiled. Such joy from such a little thing I never would have noticed.
What a gorgeous day. Damien riding on his bike. Suddenly he exclaims, "Oh! An animal!" He quickly gets off to inspect the centipede he found.
I can guarantee that each of these days had their trying moments, and probably many of them. But by recording these sweet moments, it keeps me focused on what is good. I find myself throughout the day looking for which moment I will choose record. This way I am directing my brain what to focus on and give most attention to.
Give it a try. It’s powerful when you get to the end of the day and you can only remember the good moments.
P.S. I’m so grateful for each of you reading this. I am continually humbled by clients who tell me what a difference this work has made in their lives. Book a call with me and find out for yourself: https://bit.ly/DiscoveryCallKelseyAnne