Tag: Gratitude Challenge

Day 13 of the Gratitude Challenge

One of the goals of this challenge is to focus on the little things in life that make a difference. I believe that little changes can make a big difference. You don’t need to make one large change to improve your life. Improve a little each day and see what happens.

The photo in this post is from one of my happiest places in the world. It is near where I grew up. Whenever I visit this place, I have a sense of joy and peace. Today, I am grateful for my hometown and where I grew up. I know it wasn’t perfect but it is home. While I miss the Black Hills, I am grateful I was able to grow up in such a nature wonderland. It shaped who I am am and how I view the word. Take time today to think about something you are grateful about from your hometown.

Day 12 of Gratitude Challenge

Over the past year, I gave special attention to the words that I use. Are the words helping me towards my goal? This time last year, I was sad and angry. I focused on all the bad that was happening around me. Now, I focus on controlling my reaction to a situation. I find the good. I use empowering language. I am so grateful how this shift in language has improved my life.

The challenge today is to focus on the words you use (both internally and externally). Find at least one thing in your life that is good. Take time to be grate for the good things. Ask yourself what is great about today? Given the current weather conditions this could be more difficult today!

I will spend time today thinking about my family and friends. I am extremely grateful for the love and kindness they show me. And a bonus gratitude, it’s date night with my wife. We will enjoy our weekly date.

Day 11 of Gratitude Challenge

In 1938, the United States made November 11 a legal holiday. It was originally called Armistice Day to honor the end of World War I. It is interesting to note that as World War I was wrapping up, the Spanish Flu pandemic was ramping up. In 1954, Congress changed the name of the holiday to “Veterans Day” to honor ALL who have served in our military.

Today, I proudly and publicly state my gratitude and support for all those who have served. Thank you for your service. Thank you for putting your life on the line so that others can have freedom. Thank you for keeping the world safer. Thank you.

Though I have not served, many close to me have. My father, my father-in-law, my grandfather and several of my uncles have served. Some of my friends have served. Thank you.

Today, thank a veteran. Buy him/ her a coffee or a meal. Reflect on you have because of our veterans.

Day 10 of Gratitude Challenge

I hope you were able to get outside yesterday. It was another beautiful day. Did you notice the many joys nature provides?

Last night, after thinking about nature and all it’s joys, I took time to listen to some music. I don’t sit and listen to music as often as I like. I pulled up an apple music playlist titled ’80s Movie Essentials. Just glancing at the list of songs immediately transported me to earlier time in my life. First, I listened to “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship. (Bonus points for those who remember what movie that is from without looking it up!) Then I listened to “Purple Rain” by Prince & the Revolution. If you grew up in the upper Midwest in the ’80s, Prince was everything.

Each song reminded me of different phases of my life (high school and college). I thought about how music and movies permeated so many of my experiences at that age. I thought about friends and acquaintances from that time in my life. Many of these people I have connected with on social media. Some I haven’t seen in years. Sadly, others have passed.

Music is powerful. Good music can permeate and envelop you. Good music triggers emotion. So today, listen to some music and be grateful. If the music reminds you of someone, reach out to that person and let them know you are thinking of them.

If I went to high school or college with you and you are reading this blog, odds are your were in my thoughts last night. I’m grateful you have been a part of this journey we call life.

Day 9 of Gratitude Challenge

Yesterday was an beautiful fall day where I live. The high temperature was 59 degrees. I did not have an opportunity to enjoy it much. Today the forecast is about 5 degrees cooler and still a very nice day for my area of the world. Yet a look forward indicates that we might get some snow on Friday – which may make the gratitude challenge fun for some!

The challenge for today is simply this. Get outside in and around nature. What do you notice? What is special? See any wildlife? What does fall smell like where you are? How about the colors? Just be grateful for the beauty of nature and how it teases your senses. Have a great day!

Day 8 of Gratitude Challenge

I recently read How to Change: The Science of Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Katy Milkman. The book is an interesting and insightful look into how we can make change happen. Milkman writes “[I]f you want to change your behavior or someone else’s, you’re at a huge advantage if you begin with a blank slate – a fresh start- and no old habits working against you.” Of course, this is easier said than done. She further writes that “[w]e’re more likely to pursue change on dates that feel like new beginnings because these moments help us overcome a common obstacle to goal initiation: the sense that we’ve failed before and will, thus, fail again…This explains why every Monday, I’m sure the week ahead will be more productive than the last.”

I intentionally started this challenge on the FIRST day of the month which conveniently fell on a Monday. A double fresh start.

The pandemic has created more opportunities for fresh starts and provided a chance to focus on what is important. Remember during the height of the pandemic when everybody was wearing mask? You could see no expression. No compassion. No care. No joy. Just eyes hiding behind a mask.

As the pandemic winds downs and we take our masks off, we can see faces again. So today, give smiles and see what happens. Smile at yourself in the mirror. Smile at strangers. Smile at coworkers. Smile on the phone. Smile on Zoom. I bet at least one person smiles back. Be grateful for gift of human expression and emotion. Happy Monday!

Day 6 of Gratitude Challenge

It has been a challenging and busy week. Yesterday, I battled with my inner voice. I questioned everything. Am I doing my best? Is this challenge impacting anyone? Does being grateful and thankful really help?

We all have off days. I was searching for the my sense of purpose and place. Though I pontificated about the benefits of gratitude, internally I was questioning its efficacy. Yet, I know this challenge works. I did this gratitude challenge last year hoping it would help at least one person. It did. It helped me.

This year, my hope is the gratitude challenge to helps many. But, if it helps just one person, it will have be a success. By that measure, it has been successful because at least one my readers has told me so and because it has helped me.

To be grateful and thankful is a choice. It is a choice that each of us controls. Chose gratitude today. Express gratitude today. Take control today by resisting the urge to purchase something for yourself. Instead, purchase something for someone else or give to a charity. Further, when you purchase something for somebody else, take a moment to reflect about how the action makes you feel. Do you feel better?

I plan to take my dog to a local coffee house and purchase a few coffees for the people behind me in line. I don’t expect or want anything back. I just want them to have a nice part of their day. I challenge all of you to do something similar. Have a great day!

Day 5 of the Gratitude Challenge

For a few moments yesterday, I was able to put a smile on my face thinking about special memories. There are many benefits to consistent and regular gratitude. Spending five minutes each day journaling about your gratitude, increases your happiness. Don’t believe me? Read about 27 other cool benefits here.

Today I challenge you to spend time being grateful for and focus on those people who make life better. Personally, there are too many to list here. For now, I will start with my family. They are the first thing I think about in the morning and the last thing I think about before I sleep. At some point today, I will reach out to at least one family member express my gratitude. Perhaps I might reach out to a couple. I challenge you to do the same. Happy Friday!

Day 3 of the Gratitude Challenge

So what did you notice yesterday? Did focusing on the little things help? I noticed many things that I often take for granted. I noticed the heat in my home after coming in from outside. I noticed the fallen leaves and those yet to fall. I noticed my soup needed more spice but was still thankful I had it.

For day three, the challenge is simple. Say thank you to at least one person today. It can be for something big or small. Just say thank you and mean it.

Have a great day!

Day 4 of the Gratitude Challenge

Some days are harder than other. Did you thank anyone yesterday? Did anyone thank you? Did it change your outlook on the day?

Understand this challenge is not all about rainbows, puppy dogs, fairy tales and Hallmark movies. Life is challenging. There are significant obstacles to success. However, if you can spend a few moments each day focusing on gratitude, you life can be dramatically improved.

Today, ponder the happy moments in your life. What are the memories that bring a smile to your face? What memories make you laugh or just feel better?

There are so many memories in my life for which I am grateful. A few examples:

-My wedding day. I remember it raining. I remember my wife worrying about the rain. I remember looking at my wife and wondering how did I get so lucky.

-The birth of my son. I remember the excitement and anticipation of the day. I remember the joy, love, and excitement I felt when I first held him.

-Game 7 of the 1991 World Series. I remember the tension of the game. I remember the crowd reacting to every small glimmer of hope. I remember the joy when the Twins scored the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning. But mostly I remember spending the day with my best friend.

What are you most cherished memories? Think about them, tell somebody about them today and reflect with gratitude how those moments made your life better.