Author: HarrisGroup

JMH Blog

Day 16 Gratitude Challenge

Today is a short post. I have many things to be grateful for in my life. Today is a pay-it-forward day. When you pay it forward, you potentially set off a chain reaction of kindness.

Who will you pay it forward to today? Small acts of kindness, whether it’s buying someone a coffee, treating a weary mom with young kids to lunch, or helping someone with their groceries, can create a ripple effect of positivity. Look for opportunities throughout your day to brighten someone else’s experience. Simple gestures, like offering a warm smile, making eye contact with a greeting, or holding the door open, can make a significant difference. Embrace the countless ways to share kindness and inspire others.

Day 15 Gratitude Challenge

Death is inevitable. It leaves a trail of sorrow for those left behind. There are so many unanswered questions. Yet, one thing is certain . My brother is dead. We buried his remains today. Jason Harris

I wrote the quote above just over four years ago on the day I buried my oldest brother, Jeff. I vividly remember writing those words and can still feel the pain, anger, sadness, and confusion I experienced. I will always remember. I don’t believe you ever forget the pain of losing someone you love so deeply.

The five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—are commonly understood as a sequential journey, often thought to unfold in a specific order. However, since the loss of my brother, I’ve found myself navigating these stages in various sequences and sometimes experiencing them all in one day. Most days, I come to a place of acceptance, though it’s a difficult journey, and I embrace that feeling as best as I can, knowing it’s a part of the healing process. Yet, I often wonder: is it truly possible to fully heal from such a profound loss?

Today marks several significant events. It’s the 15th day of the gratitude challenge, which means we’ve reached the halfway mark. It’s also 10 days past the election. Most importantly, today is my brother’s birthday; he would have been 64.

Today’s challenge invites us to transform a negative experience into a positive reflection. Let’s take a moment to think about those who are no longer with us. It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions, and acknowledging the impact they had on our lives is important. We can hold on to the gratitude for the moments we shared with them, cherishing their memory. Although we may not be able to thank them directly, we can honor their legacy and the positive influence they brought into our lives. This act of remembrance allows us to celebrate the love and lessons they imparted, keeping their spirit alive in our hearts.

Day 14 2024 Gratitude Challenge

How did the stacking go yesterday? Did you notice anything different? Perhaps you felt more gratitude or had a better attitude? If you read the news, it’s easy to focus on the negative aspects. A key goal of this challenge is to find the good, stay positive, and be grateful.

A significant aspect of this challenge requires you to focus on others rather than just yourself. Today, that changes. What are your strengths? Attached to this post is a photo I took a few weeks ago at a professional tennis event. I have a passion for capturing action shots in sports, particularly in tennis. Some people have mentioned that my pictures are quite good, and I believe this is a talent of mine. I am grateful for the opportunity to take photographs like this.

Take time to reflect and be grateful for the strengths, talents, and gifts you have. Reflecting on the strengths, talents, and gifts that you possess can be a powerful exercise in gratitude. Often, we might overlook our unique qualities, assuming that what comes naturally to us is commonplace.

If you are unsure about your strengths, seek feedback from friends or colleagues; they may see talents in you that you haven’t recognized. By embracing and celebrating these qualities, you’ll be better positioned to leverage them, allowing you to make a more meaningful impact on the world around you.

Day 13 – 2024 Gratitude Challenge

For the past 12 days, I have challenged readers to embrace gratitude. Gratitude encourages us to focus on the more positive aspects of our world and lives. Below is a list of the challenges completed so far.

  • Day 1 – No Complaining – It doesn’t do any good anyway
  • Day 2 – Be grateful for the little things in life
  • Day 3 – Be mindful all-day
  • Day 4 – Reflect on favorite memories
  • Day 5 – Express gratitude to the people who impact your life
  • Day 6 – Write a letter of gratitude to someone who positively impacted your life
  • Day 7 – Resist the urge to buy unnecessary items and consider giving to a charity
  • Day 8 – Smile at yourself and others all-day
  • Day 9 – Focus on what you appreciate in nature
  • Day 10 – Commit an anonymous act of kindness
  • Day 11 – Thank a veteran for their service
  • Day 12 – Ask what is good about your day

Today’s challenge is to combine any two previous challenges. For example, you could merge Day 8 and Day 9 by smiling while appreciating nature. You might also consider smiling all day without complaining. The choice is yours, and any combination is acceptable. The important thing is to spend part of your day focused on gratitude.

Day 12 -2024 Gratitude Challenge

Yesterday, I had coffee with friends, worked out, shared lunch with them, and watched college soccer (see above picture). It was nice to have a “free” day. I am grateful for everything I did yesterday.

One key element of the gratitude challenge is intentionally shifting your focus toward gratitude and positivity, rather than dwelling on negativity. This approach doesn’t imply that you ignore unpleasant aspects of life; instead, it represents a powerful realignment of your attention. Emphasizing gratitude can significantly enhance your overall outlook.

People often underestimate the impact of the words and phrases we use. Today, I will return to work, and I suspect some people will ask, “How was your weekend?” or “How was your day off from work?” These are well-intended questions that typically elicit basic responses such as, “Fine, thanks! And yours?”

The challenge we face today is to ask better questions and truly listen to the responses. What if we changed the question to, “What’s good today?” This simple shift is likely to elicit interesting replies that could lead to memorable conversations. Asking “What’s good today?” encourages each of us to focus on the positive and share uplifting thoughts. If someone asks how you are today, consider responding with just one word: “Grateful!”

Day 11 Gratitude Challenge

In 1918, at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany took effect, officially ending what was known as “the war to end all wars.” While World War I officially ended several months later, it sod not end all wars.

My grandfather served in World War I. My father had his service during the Korean War deferred and served during peacetime. Many other relatives of mine have also served in the United States Armed Forces.

I’ve shared this story in the past, but it truly deserves to be told once more. Nearly two decades ago, I found myself in Washington DC with my wife and oldest son on a peaceful Sunday morning. As we wandered down to the new World War II memorial, I was filled with a sense of reverence. Just a short while after our arrival, a bus filled with World War II veterans pulled up. The sight of those 80 plus year old men having come to honor their shared sacrifices, moved me deeply.

As the veterans stepped off the bus, each was given a rose. It was a moving sight to witness many of them gently place the roses at the memorial, choosing spots that clearly held deep personal meaning for them. I took a photo of a gentleman walking slowly with a rose in hand, carefully deciding where to place it. Yet, what is etched in my memory is the poignant image of him and a few others standing together, reluctant to leave, tears in their eyes. The weight of their emotions in that moment was truly powerful.

I will never fully understand this gentleman’s journey during World War II, but my gratitude for his service is unwavering. I also deeply appreciate every veteran who has fought for our freedoms.

Today marks a well-deserved day off for many of us, a moment to relax and recharge. But let’s take a moment to reflect on what this day truly represents. It’s a chance to express our heartfelt gratitude to the brave individuals who have served our country, safeguarding the freedoms we hold dear. Their sacrifices have paved the way for us to enjoy our liberties, and today, let’s honor their commitment and valor.

2024 Gratitude Challenge – Day 10

Yesterday’s weather might be considered dismal by many—cool and rainy for the better part of the day. But for my dog, it was great. With the right clothing, even a drizzly day can turn into a delightful adventure. While I didn’t get to spend as much time outside as I’d hoped, the moments I did share with my furry friend in the fresh, cool air were truly enjoyable. Sometimes, it’s all about making the most of what nature throws our way.

There is a wonderful patisserie near my office that I love. Occasionally, I sneak over to buy a dozen macarons to share with my co-workers. I enjoy treating others, and while it feels rewarding and delightful, there are times when it feels incomplete. I don’t do this for recognition; I do it to be kind.

Today, the challenge invites you to embrace the joy of anonymous acts of kindness! The possibilities are endless! Consider leaving a thoughtful gift on a friend’s doorstep, lending a helping hand with a neighbor’s outdoor chores, or tackling a task that’s not even yours. You might write a note of encouragement and slip it under someone’s windshield or even treat a stranger to lunch. If anonymity isn’t possible, that’s perfectly fine—just remember, the key is to spread kindness today, no matter how you choose to do it!

Day 9 – 2024 Gratitude Challenge

Have you had a moment to reflect on your day yesterday? Did you share a smile with someone? How did they respond? Take a moment to ponder these three questions and see what insights they spark.

Nature offers a variety of wonders, from beautiful sunrises to stunning sunsets and starry night skies where you can see the Milky Way. We can even appreciate the beauty in cloud formations and the surrounding landscape. It can be tempting to let the weather—something we cannot control—affect our attitudes, which is within our control. Today’s forecast calls for cloudsm rain and cool temperatures. For many, this is less than ideal. Ultimately, you have the choice to decide whether you will allow the weather or any other external factors to influence your mindset.

The challenge today is to focus on what we appreciate about nature. I have listed several examples above. What do you appreciate about nature?

A second challenge is to combine this with a previous day’s challenge. Try to complete both challenges.

Day 8 – Gratitude Challenge

This blog and its posts are primarily for my own reflection and to express my thoughts on various issues. I hope that others read and find value in my writing. I can check the statistics on my blog and noticed that the numbers were down this week. I have some theories about why this might be the case. It’s during times like these that we need to practice gratitude the most.

Every day brings new adventures! Yesterday, I participated in my employer’s Give Where You Live program as part of the Gratitude Challenge. It’s a wonderful initiative that allows employees to direct a donation of up to $200 to a charitable organization of their choice. I directed mine to Dakotabilities. I really enjoyed it.

If you embrace gratitude and joy, let your face join in the fun—smile! Shine your smile so brightly that it radiates everywhere! Share that smile with your family, friends, co-workers, and anyone else you meet. Don’t forget to smile when chatting on the phone; the person on the other end can feel it! Smiles are incredibly contagious—they help us connect and can brighten someone’s day. Our world isn’t perfect, but there are many positives to find. Look for them and smile. And when you’re smiling, it’s hard to feel unhappy!

2024 Gratitude Challege – Day 7

This post will be somewhat more detailed than usual. While I aim to avoid political debates here, it’s important to acknowledge the recent election. For some, yesterday was a moment of celebration, while for others, it brought feelings of sadness and confusion. Observations from social media suggest that the divisive climate surrounding elections is expected to continue in the future.

Honestly, yesterday was just another day for me; the core of who I am hasn’t shifted. My commitment to acting with virtue, kindness, and fairness remains unwavering. Earlier this year, I shared my thoughts on the significance of discovering our common ground, and that message still resonates deeply with me. Let’s keep striving to connect and understand one another. Be grateful for our similarities and our differences.

The picture at the top of this post is from my garage. It reminds me that I have some recycling work to do. Additionally, we get a lot of packages at our house. Perhaps we purchased too much stuff.

While I support capitalism and the free market, I question how much consumption is truly necessary. Can you resist the temptation of excessive consumerism? Instead of indulging yourself today, think about treating someone else or contributing to a worthy cause—or both.

It is easy to praise providence for anything that may happen if you have two qualities: a complete view of what has actually happened in each instance and a sense of gratitude. Without gratitude what is the point of seeing, and without seeing what is the object of gratitude?—EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 1.6.1–2