If it weren’t for my friend Lori, I would have never started this project. She was the one who messaged me and asked me if I’d like to join her in a year-long gratitude project. Lori’s a great friend and I loved the idea so I agreed without hesitation.
During the course of this year, I made 52 posts with my thoughts on gratitude-related subjects and 52 pieces of gratitude art. I’ve also written 3 things I’m grateful for every single day this past year. That’s 1,095 things. For the last six months or so, my six-year-old son has also been telling me three things he’s grateful for each day. And since November, he’s also been keeping a gratitude journal:
I cannot put into words the impact all this has had in my life.
The practice of gratitude is very powerful. Especially having to write down three things on those hard days when the world seems mostly black. During those times of illness and fear and tiredness. The practice of gratitude is what reminds you that there’s a flicker of light every single day. Every single moment of every day. It gives you the opportunity to pause and look and listen and pay attention to the good in your life.
Because there’s always some kind of good.
However small.
We take so much for granted. It’s human nature. And this project gives you the room and opportunity to take a moment to appreciate, to give thanks, to pay attention.
I’ve learned it’s important to pause and take a moment to be grateful each day.
I’ve learned that it makes my heart grow. It makes me realize how very much I have to be thankful for. How little it takes to make someone else’s day better. How many people impact my day. How much good there is out there.
It restores your faith in your life. In other people. And in the world.
All it takes is this one little project.
So I hope that, in 2011, you will take the time to write down things you’re grateful for. I will be continuing my 3 things here on my blog along with my son’s list and his journal. I will never ever forget this year and how it started me on this very amazing path.
Thank you, Lori. More than words can say.
I am so very grateful.
I have so enjoyed this project, and even more since David started on it. I am planning on doing a weekly one with Nathan this year incorporating it into his Journal writting, something he really needs to practice on.
Plase thank Lori for the inspiration too.
I hope you do it with Nathan! It’s been a true treasure for me!
bellissima idea! Nei miei giorni più bui, di solito, mi sforzo di trovare qualcosa di positivo…ma non ho mai pensato di farlo bianco su nero… splendido che tuo figlio ti abbia imitata.
grazie