Author: HarrisGroup

JMH Blog

Day 15: 2026 Gratitude Challenge

Yesterday’s challenge was about health, and I’d call it a partial success. I tried to eat better and came close to my goal of 25,000 steps. I probably should have made time to meditate, too. Health is an ongoing project, and apparently so am I.

Today I’m changing direction. For the next few days, I’m going to focus on family, starting with brothers. I picked today for a reason.

My brother Jeff would have turned 66 today. That number matters to me because 66 is how old my father was when he died. Jeff passed away in 2020, and I’ve written about him many times on this blog.

I grew up with two brothers in my adoptive family, Jeff and Matt. Later in life, I learned that I also have two biological brothers. That’s a different and complicated story, but one I’m grateful for. They’re my brothers, too, and the circumstances of how we came into each other’s lives don’t make those relationships any less important.

Jeff and Matt each got a little too much DNA on their ninth chromosome, resulting in physical and intellectual disabilities. At first glance, you might look at them and think about how limited their lives must be. At second glance, you realize how much they have to teach us about gratitude. They don’t spend their lives worrying about what others have that they don’t. They’re simply happy with what they have.

Neither would have been particularly troubled when Outlook stopped working Thursday or the airlines were grounded Friday. A football game starting late wouldn’t have mattered. Give them a comfortable place to live, something to eat, clothes to wear, and some good music, and life was pretty good. There’s something to be learned from that.

I’ve spent two weeks working at gratitude. They never needed the practice.

I miss Jeff, but I’m grateful I got to be his brother. And I’m grateful for Matt and for the two brothers I came to know later in life. Family doesn’t always come together in the ways we expect, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful.

Tonight, take a few minutes to journal about the brothers in your life and what you’re grateful for. If you don’t have brothers, think about someone who has taught you something about appreciating what you have. What can you learn from them?

Day 14: 2026 Gratitude Challenge

Yesterday’s challenge was about recognizing your strengths. If patience is one of yours, Friday provided a pretty good test. For the second day in a row, something major disrupted the country. This time, the FAA grounded departing flights nationwide, something that hadn’t happened since January 2023. Another opportunity to practice not complaining, focus on solving problems, and appreciate what was going right. Of course, that’s easier to say when you’re not sitting in an airport wondering if you’ll ever see your luggage again.

The second part of yesterday’s challenge was to ask someone close to you what they think your strengths are. Sometimes others recognize qualities we don’t see or appreciate in ourselves. Hopefully, they came up with something you hadn’t considered.

Today’s challenge is to appreciate our health. Not everyone enjoys good health, and some are dealing with serious illness. I’ve certainly gained a greater appreciation for mine this year. If you read my blog post about falling on the ice, my most viewed post of the year, you know I spent much of January, February, and March in significant pain. Things started improving in April, but it wasn’t until September that I felt mostly normal. By then, nearly another year of aging had taken its toll. Apparently, the aging process doesn’t offer extensions for time missed due to injury.

January was difficult for our family, too. My mother-in-law, my brother, and my son all had medical issues requiring attention. It was a reminder of how quickly things can change and how easily we take good health for granted.

As I post this, I’m just a few steps away from 2,450 consecutive days of walking at least 10,000 steps. Some days those last few steps are less about exercise and more about negotiating with my watch. But I’m grateful I’ve been able to keep moving, especially this year. I also recognize the importance of eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Knowing what I should do and actually doing it, unfortunately, remain two different things.

Today, appreciate your health and the health of those around you. Drink a little more water, take a walk if you’re able, breathe deeply, and get some rest. We can’t control everything about our health, but we can make choices that improve our chances.

Tonight, journal about your health. What are you grateful your body allows you to do? What can you do to become healthier or maintain the health you have?

Day 13: 2026 Gratitude Challenge

Sometimes life hands you lemons. Other times it hands you your favorite birthday cake. Yesterday, I got the cake.

Yesterday’s challenge was to focus on the words we use and how changing a question can change our perspective. For anyone who uses Microsoft Outlook, yesterday provided a wonderful opportunity to practice. I had the day off but wanted to get a few things done. When Outlook stopped working, I got irritated. Then I learned Microsoft was having problems around the world, and there wasn’t much I could do about it. So I asked myself yesterday’s question: “What’s good today?” Well, I had the day off, and now I really had the day off. Problem solved. It’s interesting how much we let technology control our lives.

Today’s challenge is about appreciating your strengths and talents. If you’ve ever been in a job interview, you’ve probably been asked to identify your greatest strengths. For many of us, that’s a surprisingly difficult question. Self-reflection is hard, and self-promotion can be even harder. I’m not suggesting you need to strut around like a peacock, but there’s nothing wrong with recognizing what you’re good at and being grateful for those abilities. Maybe you’re a good listener, a problem solver, a teacher, or someone who makes other people laugh. We spend plenty of time thinking about our shortcomings. Today, spend a little time appreciating your strengths.

But here’s the second part of today’s challenge. Ask someone who knows you well what they believe your greatest strengths are. It might be your spouse, a friend, a family member, or a coworker. Don’t argue with their answers or brush off the compliments. Just listen. You might discover that the qualities others appreciate most about you are things you’ve always taken for granted. And while you’re at it, consider how you might use those strengths to make someone else’s life a little better.

Tonight, take a few minutes to journal about your strengths and talents. What makes you uniquely you? How did your list compare with what someone else told you? Were there any surprises? And how might you use those strengths to help others?

Day 12: 2026 Gratitude Challenge

Yesterday was a beautiful day. We decided to walk around the University of Minnesota campus, assuming that since it was Veterans Day, we’d have most of the place to ourselves. You know what happens when you assume! Classes were in session, and the campus was buzzing with students. It’s a beautiful campus, although a little too big for my liking. The grass was still green, the leaves were falling, and the squirrels were preparing for winter. We even spotted an albino squirrel.

The university hadn’t forgotten Veterans Day. A poster noted that nearly 600 veterans attend the school, and the lawn outside the student union was filled with American flags. They honored the day while carrying on with business as usual. I suspect yesterday may have been the last real autumn day I’ll enjoy this year. And to top it off, the day ended with a spectacular sunset. The golden light reflecting off the buildings was a reminder that sometimes all you need to do is stop and look around. I’m grateful we took the time to enjoy the day.

Today’s challenge is about the words we use. Sometimes changing just a few words can change an entire conversation. We routinely ask people, “How are you?” and often don’t stick around long enough to hear the answer. Today, try asking, “What’s good today?” instead. See where the conversation goes. At work, try asking what’s good about your boss, your coworkers, your organization, or a project you’re working on. We spend plenty of time finding things to complain about. Today, look for what’s working. And when someone asks how you’re doing, try answering with one word: “Grateful!” You might surprise them. You might even surprise yourself.

Tonight, take a few minutes to journal about your conversations. Did changing a few words change the tone? Were you able to help someone focus on something positive? Sometimes a different perspective begins with a different question.

Day 11: 2026 Gratitude Challenge

Yesterday I paid it forward. I’m not going to brag about what I did, since that would rather defeat the purpose. But it was a nice thing to do, and I might do it again today.

Today is Veterans Day, a day to remember and appreciate those who have served our country. I was reminded of their sacrifices Monday night at the Vikings game, which was also the team’s Salute to Service game. Throughout the evening, veterans, active-duty military members, and their families were recognized on the field. At one point, Hy-Vee surprised several veterans with a year’s worth of free groceries. But the most memorable moment had nothing to do with football.

A family was brought onto the field and asked to watch a video message from their daughter, who was serving in Korea. She told them she missed them, loved them, and hoped to see them soon. What the family couldn’t see, but the rest of us could, was a woman in uniform slowly walking up behind them. When they turned around, they realized their daughter was no longer in Korea. After 473 days apart, she was home. It was a beautiful moment, and I suspect there weren’t many dry eyes in the stadium.

Today, and every day, take a moment to appreciate the veterans who have served to protect our country and the freedoms we enjoy. If you have the opportunity, thank a veteran. And don’t forget their families. They sacrifice more than most of us will ever know.

Tonight, take a few minutes to journal about the freedoms you’re grateful for and the people who have helped protect them. Did you take the opportunity to thank a veteran or someone in their family today?

Day 10: 2026 Gratitude Challenge

Yesterday was a great day. Beautiful weather, outdoor walks, time with family, and a football game. Well, the football game could have been better. Fun fact: I’ve never seen the Minnesota Vikings win at U.S. Bank Stadium. I’m beginning to think I might be part of the problem. Still, there was plenty to be grateful for.

Today’s challenge is simple. Pay it forward. Do something kind for someone else, preferably anonymously. It doesn’t have to involve money. Help a neighbor, do something nice for a coworker, leave an encouraging note, or find some other way to make someone’s day a little better. There are opportunities all around us if we pay attention. The idea is to do something thoughtful without expecting anything in return. No recognition, no thank you, and certainly no need to post about it on social media. Sometimes the best acts of kindness are the ones nobody knows about. And if someone really wants to pay it forward, perhaps they could find the Vikings a good quarterback.

Tonight, take a few minutes to journal about what you did and how it made you feel. Did you get to see the person’s reaction? Did it matter whether they knew who was responsible? Sometimes doing something good for someone else is its own reward.

Day 9: 2026 Gratitude Challenge

Yesterday’s challenge was to smile, and apparently I got a head start. The weather was so nice that I took two long walks outside. I enjoyed watching the birds, the squirrels, what’s left of the fall colors, and the peaceful waters of Lake Harriet. It was hard not to smile, and that seemed to make everything else a little better. I’m beginning to think these challenges build on each other.

Today’s challenge is to appreciate nature. This should be easy. I’ve already watched a beautiful sunrise, and with the weather cooperating, I plan to get in another walk or two. I’ll end the day at an NFL game where they even make it snow indoors. Not exactly natural, but pretty cool.

Watch the sunrise and sunset. Look up and appreciate the clouds, the blue sky, or the stars. Tonight is a new moon, so it’s a particularly good opportunity to enjoy the night sky. And don’t forget to look closer to the ground. Find beauty in the animals, trees, and grass around you. Enjoy what’s left of autumn. We sometimes let the weather dictate our attitude, even though we have absolutely no control over it. We do, however, have some control over how we respond. A little rain doesn’t have to ruin our day, and a beautiful day doesn’t do us much good if we never stop to appreciate it.

Tonight, take a few minutes to journal about what you appreciated in the world around you today. Did you notice something beautiful that you might otherwise have missed? Sometimes gratitude is simply a matter of paying attention.

Day 8: 2026 Gratitude Challenge

I didn’t get my handwritten note sent yesterday, and I have no good excuse. I know who it’s going to, so today is the day. One nice thing about this gratitude challenge is that you don’t have to be perfect. If you miss a day, there’s always tomorrow.

As we begin our second week, I want to talk about stacking. The idea is to build on each day’s challenge rather than forget about it when the day is over. So far, we’ve worked on not complaining, noticing the little things, being present, sharing cherished memories, thanking people who matter to us, resisting consumerism, and writing a handwritten note. As I reflected on yesterday’s college football games, I was reminded of Day 1: no complaining. Apparently, that one requires a little more practice. The point is that we can work on these things every day. The goal is to make gratitude a habit, not another item on your to-do list.

Today’s challenge is simple. Smile. It might make people suspicious, but give it a try anyway. Here’s a little experiment. Try smiling and being unhappy at the same time. It’s harder than you might think. Smile at your family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers. Smile when you’re talking on the phone. Believe it or not, people can hear the difference in your voice. A smile costs nothing, takes almost no effort, and might make someone’s day a little better. Yours included.

Tonight, take a few minutes to journal about your experience. Did smiling more change your mood? Did people smile back? Did you notice any difference in how people responded to you? Sometimes the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference, and that’s something worth being grateful for.

Day 7: 2026 Gratitude Challenge

Yesterday’s challenge was to resist consumerism and focus on giving to others. I tried to be kind all day. Whether I succeeded is another question, but at least I tried. I considered paying for someone’s coffee or lunch, but then wondered if I was just finding another excuse to buy something. Instead, I made a donation to The Banquet, a local organization whose mission is “to provide a welcoming place where people can gather, receive nourishment, and experience love in action.” I work downtown and see people struggling with homelessness almost every day. I’m not always sure how best to help, but this seemed like a good place to start. Learn more at https://thebanquetsf.org.

Today’s challenge is a little different. Think of someone who has made a difference in your life. Maybe they encouraged you when you needed it, believed in you when you doubted yourself, or simply made your life better by being part of it. Now write that person a letter AND mail it. I’m a believer in handwritten notes, although you do you. It doesn’t have to be long or eloquent. Just tell them what they mean to you and why you’re grateful they’re part of your life. Don’t let Hallmark do all the talking. Use your own words. (Though I am grateful for Hallmark Christmas movies!) Imagine how it might feel to open the mailbox and find an unexpected note from someone telling you that you’ve made a difference in their life. That’s a gift worth giving, and one they might treasure for years.

Bonus points if you make a list of people who have made a difference in your life. Teachers, friends, mentors, family members, or someone who helped you at just the right moment. I’ve got a few people in mind. Now I just need to find some stationery and a stamp. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Tonight, take a few minutes to journal about the person you chose and why. Make a list of others you might want to thank. What if you made it a habit to send one handwritten note every month? That’s twelve people a year who would receive an unexpected reminder that they mattered to someone. Not a bad return on the price of a stamp.

Day 6: Gratitude Challenge

Yesterday was another blur. I’m not sure I accomplished everything I was supposed to, so I’m going to give it another try today. I spent some time thinking about my parents, but there are other people I need to thank. I guess that’s one of the nice things about this gratitude challenge. There’s nothing that says you can only do these things once.

Today’s challenge is about resisting consumerism. We live in a society where someone is always trying to sell us something. Turn on the television, scroll through your phone, or check your email, and somebody is telling you that you deserve something newer, bigger, faster, or better. And if you don’t already want it, they’ll do their best to convince you that you need it. The truth is, most of us already have more than enough. We know better, even if we don’t always act like it.

Apparently, even dogs need to work on resisting temptation. Ginger is convinced she deserves one of those cheeseburgers, and she’s having a difficult time understanding why she can’t have one. In her defense, she isn’t particularly concerned about consumerism, and she has never been very good at distinguishing between wants and needs. Come to think of it, neither are most of us.

So today, instead of treating yourself to something you probably don’t need, do something for someone else. Buy someone lunch, pick up the tab for a stranger, or make a donation to a cause you care about. It doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. The idea is to spend a little less time thinking about what we want and a little more time thinking about what we can do for others.

Tonight, write about what you did and how it made you feel. Did you feel like you missed out on something by not treating yourself? Or did doing something for someone else turn out to be the better deal?