Checking in as I finish my November Gratitude Challenge…
At the beginning of November, I randomly came across the November Gratitude Challenge → http://www.gratitudechallenge.com/downloads/gratitude-calendar.pdf. I looked at it, printed, and put it in my planner. I did not really think much of it, I just thought I will get to it when I have time. Not only did I not intentionally make time for it but it was in my planner for a week before I even took another look at it.
I am really glad that I sat down one day and began to read it. It is a very reflective challenge and I encourage everyone to try it, it definitely does not have to be month specific. You could even try to do some of the items on the list in a week span.
Why was it great? Well self-reflection or any reflection for that matter is a good thing. It requires being still for a moment and doing some deep thinking. I don’t really set time aside for myself but this challenge really helped me to make that time that we all need. Some days I would get backed up with the daily tasks but I made it my responsibility to catch up. Some of my favorite ones were thanking some negative things in my life, sending thank you notes to five people who deserve recognition, and standing in front of a mirror and focusing on 5 things you love about yourself.
Such simple sentiments yet not on my daily to do list. Never would I think about thanking the negatives in my life, most times you end up dreading them or letting them stress you out but I literally thanked my negatives out loud and it made feel a sense of relief. Sending thank you notes was my ultimate fave as it required recognizing some close ones that I may not always speak with. It made for a great entry to catch up and acknowledge them. Looking in the mirror is something I do daily but rarely do I ever focus on things I love. Often times, I think about how my hair looks, how I don’t like my outfit, and how I want new glasses like yesterday. This was a bit more challenging for me but so worth it. It gave me a boost of confidence and just what I needed as the end of the year is nearing.
I am feeling extremely grateful for the amazing things happening in my life today. I am also thankful for the not so great things I have faced to get me here. All of it keeps shaping me and influencing to keep on going. I am more determined than I have felt all year and I want to share that with all of you. If you are going through a tough time, struggling with life, or just feeling down, take a look at yourself and what is around and just start thanking each and every bit of it. Struggles eventually run their course and if you stay positive and always keep a bigger goal/picture in mind, you will come out on top!
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