Gratitude Mindset
Below is what I call my gratitude rock. I was searching for something, not knowing exactly what it was, but some sort of object that would help me with my “goal habit” of maintaining a gratitude attitude (I term habits I am working on as my goal habit). I wanted something I could make part of my daily life to use as a reminder to stop and take time to think about what I am thankful for. One day I stopped in a dollar store for some work items, and I came across this rock that read “I love you”. I didn’t know it until I saw it, but this simple statement on this little rock was exactly what I was looking for.
Many people like to share how grateful they are when things are great, but the true test of gratitude is when things are not so great. What can you find to be thankful for? When someone has a great job they like going to, is making money, found love, able to have children if so desired, traveling, has time to go do fun things and socialize with friends…sure, saying you are grateful about how blessed you are is pretty easy. But what about when things do not go your way, your health is failing, or you are not born into a family that is stable and privileged? What then?
The true lesson for yourself and your family will be during the hard times when things don’t go as planned and aren’t as plentiful. Social media has created a virtual world where everyone appears to be living a life of joy and perfection although that is not real life for most. Many people are facing huge struggles and often the way to make it through them requires the daily work of living in gratitude. There will always be something to be thankful for even if it is just the fact you are waking up six feet above ground, or have the option to go outside to feel the sun on your skin. I have used a journal, but decided it was important to be more verbal and make it part of family time to help gently guide the mind of my munchkin as well. My son and I each take turns holding the gratitude rock, and when in hand we each say out loud what we are grateful or thankful for that week. I use this habit to help keep myself on track- sort of like a brain reset when the daily details and routines in life take over your mood and thinking. Something tangible like my I Love You Gratitude Rock, helps bring the habit to life as you hold onto it, and stop to think about what is good in the world. I urge you to find your own version of a gratitude rock and to take a moment, stop, and say out loud what to be thankful for today and use it for the days that follow.
