Reflection - Practicing Gratitude
It’s that time of year again where Friendsgiving posts are starting to surface on Instagram and Facebook. As Thanksgiving approaches, it is easy to think about some of the imperative questions that keep humans grounded. What could I have done differently? What could I have done better? How can I be a better person? After all, Thanksgiving is the day of gratitude in the United States. The day is full of food, reflection and of course sappy speeches from an aunt you haven't heard from in months. Once the day ends, something ironic happens. Black Friday. The shopping extravaganza where all of a sudden, the notion of giving and being grateful leaves our minds and is consumed with the latest deals and doorbusters.
With this in mind, I want to challenge myself and others to be more mindful daily of the things they can be appreciative of. Practicing gratitude doesn't have to be a result of some grandiose event that's life altering; it can start with something small. Here are 5 small things that I took some time to be grateful towards this week:
Weekends - I try not to live for the weekends, but I sure do appreciate them. With my on-the-go mindset, I've learned this year (at 25) that I really value my free time whether it's watching a movie at home or spending time with friends.
Checking something off your to-do list - My friends know I love lists. To the ones I feel closest to, I send them my monotonous to do's (lucky them). Crossing a chore off is an exhilarating feeling.
A good book - Getting lost and encapsulated in a good story is one of my favorite things. Reading helps me relax and take my mind of the everyday stressers.
Facetime - I have a love/hate relationship with technology, but without it I wouldn't be able to stay connected with the friends I have that don't live in the same state/ country. I was on a call earlier last week and I thought to myself how easy it is to hear from people even when our lives get a little bit hectic.
Seasons - It's currently fall and man there really is nothing prettier than the trees this time of year. Aside from that, everything just seems peaceful and people seem happier.
