You've probably seen the memes on Facebook: "Only __ more Mondays till Christmas!" The romantic bustle of Silver Bells lyrics can give way to frenzy. Santa, and everyone else, makes a list and checks it twice in order to get everything done. Some folks seem to revel in the joy of the season; others seem overwhelmed and stressed. I've felt both feelings, even in the same day. As I think about the why of my emotions, I realize that the answer lies in the reason for doing what I'm doing. If I am just trying to put a check on my to-do list, I am more likely to feel rushed and removed from the meaning behind the task. If I am focused on how what I am doing will bless others, I tend to enjoy the moments more.
Fortunately, between now and Christmas lies Thanksgiving. An "attitude of gratitude" is an important key to enjoying the rest of the year, and Thanksgiving encourages us to focus on thankfulness. I think that if I make a more concerted effort to be purposeful in my gratitude, and to have my actions match my thankfulness, I will approach this season with a positive attitude, and be able to feel more joy and less stress. I'm going to use the days in November leading up to Thanksgiving to explore different small acts I can do to express my thanks to others.
Each post, I'll have a challenge for the day--some small act that shares gratitude. It is one thing to feel thankfulness, and another to act upon those feelings. I hope that as I move my feelings of gratitude into actions, I can become a more thankful person. Won't you join me in my #ThankfulActs challenge?
I'll start my #ThankfulActs posts on November 1st, but wanted to give you a few days to think about joining me. If you have ideas of ways to show gratitude, I'd love to hear them--I might even use some for a daily challenge (and credit you, of course!)
[After Thanksgiving, I will be joining in the #LIGHTtheWORLD initiative. I'll have post up about it sometime in the days after Thanksgiving, before December 1st. Stay tuned!]
Thanks for the joy that comes from thankfulness.
Fortunately, between now and Christmas lies Thanksgiving. An "attitude of gratitude" is an important key to enjoying the rest of the year, and Thanksgiving encourages us to focus on thankfulness. I think that if I make a more concerted effort to be purposeful in my gratitude, and to have my actions match my thankfulness, I will approach this season with a positive attitude, and be able to feel more joy and less stress. I'm going to use the days in November leading up to Thanksgiving to explore different small acts I can do to express my thanks to others.
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| Photo: A woman and children praying, with the caption: "No matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it." -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf |
Each post, I'll have a challenge for the day--some small act that shares gratitude. It is one thing to feel thankfulness, and another to act upon those feelings. I hope that as I move my feelings of gratitude into actions, I can become a more thankful person. Won't you join me in my #ThankfulActs challenge?
I'll start my #ThankfulActs posts on November 1st, but wanted to give you a few days to think about joining me. If you have ideas of ways to show gratitude, I'd love to hear them--I might even use some for a daily challenge (and credit you, of course!)
[After Thanksgiving, I will be joining in the #LIGHTtheWORLD initiative. I'll have post up about it sometime in the days after Thanksgiving, before December 1st. Stay tuned!]
Thanks for the joy that comes from thankfulness.
So excited to do this challenge. I was thinking about gratitude and joy just yesterdayand I thought if I start a blog I could call thankfulmetoo. Lol
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so glad you'll be joining in, and I would be flattered if you had a thankfulmetoo blog! :-)
DeleteIs this the Shauna I know?
ReplyDeleteI do believe so! :-)
DeleteGratitude is an endangered concept, so I'm thrilled about your new challenge.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are joining with us. :-)
DeleteIn life, I have the hardest time being consistent. I applaud your efforts and I'll join in when I can. I'm thankful for your spirit.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to have you join us as you can. :-)
DeleteWell I am very late to get here but I would love to accept your thankful challenge.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are joining us! :-)
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