Recognizing all that we have, all the beauty that surrounds us, the simplest of moments are all examples of what we might include as part of our daily gratitude. Maintaining a gratitude journal has an unbelievable healing energy, in that it shifts our attention to what matters most. There is a realization to what is most important and what brings the most meaning to you. There’s no need to look beyond our nose, most times it is the quietest moments that bring the most fulfillment. When we take advantage of a quiet moment to connect with what we feel grateful for, the things we reveal what we love. When practicing daily gratitude becomes a daily habit something really amazing happens. We see the simplest moments as the greatest gifts. 

Why is this so important?

We live in such a busy world, where there are countless distractions pulling at our attention. Think about the last 24 hours of your own life; what are some of the things that compromised your attention against what you had originally set out to do? The unexpected call from the accountant looking for documents, your crying child who fell off their bike and needs some extra TLC, fixing the door handle that came off the door and having to call the postal service about a missing package. These are routine, yet unanticipated, events that can’t be ignored, but could never have been planned for. Then the virtual world adds another element of busy if we aren’t careful with our boundaries. Email, texts, social and media tags ping our phone, chiming for our attention. Do you see how intentional you have to be with carving out that sacred time for yourself?

If you don’t do it for yourself, who will?

Now that you have made a gratitude activity as part of your daily practice, you recognize the abundance within your life. The process of recognizing these gifts shows appreciation. If you’re struggling to find something meaningful in your life, consider doing for others. It isn’t about material things, rather you see your ability to serve others, your participation within your community, the influence you have, the opportunity to care for others, and the chance to have an impact on a cause you are passionate about.

How about a Pay It Forward mindset for the month of November?!

• Give a hug.

• Meet a loved one for a cup of coffee.

• Text an old friend.

• Open a door for someone.

• Make a donation to your favorite charity.

• Leave a nice note on someone’s car.

• Donate school supplies.

• Leave a gift for your postal worker.

• Write a hand-written note to someone in your life.

• Compliment a stranger.

• Help someone carry something.

Sometimes it isn’t about what we have, but what we are able to do for others. Showing appreciation is an act of gratitude. There is no room for fear or focus on lack when this in the lens you look through.