I'm starting a new blog, one that will help me with my personal goals of focusing on happiness, balance and peace in my life. A few months ago, I bought Gretchen Rubin's book, The Happiness Project and loved it. It wasn't just another book that talked about the idea of being happy, it was a practical book with lots of great suggestions. For years, since college actually, I've tried to reflect most days with something I call "3 good things." At the end of the day, I identify three good things that happened. This practice was especially helpful on rough days, as it helped me to refocus and recognize that even if a day felt bad, there were bright spots that could help redeem it. (Just FYI, my three good things for today were our family finally sat down for dinner together, which has been hard to do in the past two weeks; watching my youngest play in the sprinkler and squeezing in a 30 minute workout).
On her blog, Rubin has created a 2010 Happiness Project for people to join in. While I've been following her blog since I read her book, I haven't actively participate in the project, but I think it's time to start. This month's theme is Eternity and this week's goal is to cultivate gratitude. When I turned 30 this past February, I decided that during my 30th year, I wanted to write (at least) 30 letters of gratitude to people that have been a part of my journey. I've been putting it off for the past several months because (and I know this sounds silly but) I want to make sure I have just the right stationary to use. I should be able to order some personalized cards this summer and finish it up before the fall. I think it's so important to say thank you-- not just for the big things, like someone calling in a favor and helping you get a job, or the little things, like when someone holds the door for you, but for those daily things, like when my husband does the dishes or makes a point to set a beautiful table, even when we're just having hotdogs for dinner. Those two words can change someone's day, can help them feel appreciated and isn't that something that most of want? To feel appreciated?
So now I'm thinking of other ways I can cultivate gratitude. What do you do?
