Day 6 Gratitude Challenge

Yesterday was a good day. My beloved Minnesota Vikings won. The weather was great. I finished a couple of projects. I had a great dinner with my wife. I spent time reflecting on cherished memories AND thinking about ways to make new memories. It is the little things that can make the biggest difference. I also made good on my pay-it-forward challenge from Saturday. I didn’t wait to see the reaction but the server at the restaurant was stunned when I asked to pay for the table next to me.

The challenge today is hard for me. The challenge is to be present, mindful, and grateful all day. I struggle with the definition and with the application of the definition. One definition says “Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.”

For today, my plan is to make an effort to be aware of what I am doing right now. My plan (which will get disrupted) is to chunk my day. When in meetings, all my focus will be on that meeting as opposed to what is outside the meeting. When working on client files, my focus will be on my work. I will take brief moments (60-90 seconds) each hour to step back. Perhaps some deep breathing or maybe just listen to the sounds. Lastly, I will be grateful for what is.

Day 3 Gratitude Challenge

Yesterday, I took time to notice and appreciate the small things. I also strive to continue refraining from whining or complaining. How did I do? Better than day 1.

The first small thing I noticed was the temperature when I walked my dog before sunrise. The normal temperature this time of year ranges from 34° to 50°F. This morning it was 60° at 6am! Normally I like the cool and cold weather we get in winter. When you can walk your dog before the sun comes up wearing only a hoodie in November, this is a good thing. I took a few moments to gaze at the colorful vibrant sunset. Enjoyed my coffee in the morning and my tea at night. Watched part of the World Series. My team is not playing but watching reminded me of when they were. Finally, I shared a funny story with a friend I haven’t connected with in awhile. At the end of day, I felt better than day 1. The goal is not perfection but rather improvement. Be grateful for what is rather than what is not.

Which is a nice segue to todays challenge. Today you are to focus on the present. Be mindful. By mindful, I mean be aware. So today, be aware of what is happening. Do not focus on what has happened. Do not focus on what may happen. Be grateful for all that is today. At least three times today, stop what you are doing and be grateful for what is.