When you’re in the midst of pain it can be hard to focus on anything else, and harder still to find anything to be grateful for. So today I am posing a challenge to you. That’s right. You. Each and every day I want you to sit down with pen and paper and write something, anything that you are grateful for. It might take a while to identify those things you are grateful for at first, but it will become easier as you keep with it. Are you with me?
Just so you know, I would never ask you to do something I don’t do myself. I have this pretty journal, it is purple with butterflies on it, and it’s only purpose is to write down what I’m grateful for every day. It’s something that was prompted by the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. If you’re a reader I highly recommend that you pick up a copy! You don’t necessarily need a book to start this exercise. You can start right now. Grab a notebook or a piece of paper. Get a pen or whatever you want to write with. Now think hard. What was good in your world today? Leave your answer in the comments below if you want! It doesn’t have to be something big and profound. It can be as simple as I am grateful that I woke up this morning. Make sure that isn’t you only answer every day!
I’ll go first! Today I am grateful for reminders of God’s promises. I’m grateful for avocados. (I have had a serious avocado craving for the last few days.) I am grateful for my crazy cat and dog who keep constant watch over me when the boys aren’t here. I am grateful for tender moments between my boys that I catch without them seeing me.
Now it’s your turn! If you need more accountability than just yourself and a piece of paper to get this habit started grab a friend who will help you. I have a friend who is also having some troubles. She lives across the country, but with all the technology available that doesn’t matter. One of us texts the other every night with the same question. “What was good today?” And we each answer that question.
This is a good habit to form, not just when you’re hurting, but every day. I find that the world seems a little bit sunnier when you can look through the rain and find the rainbow there. I urge you to find something to be grateful for in each and every day!
Godspeed,
Mollie <3
Only God can heal a broken heart, but there are things we can do to help foster self healing. This post is part of my series 31 Days of Self Healing. You can find the rest of the posts for this series here.
I am linking this post up with the Who God Says You Are link-up!
Molly, I love the name of your site! And I’m a huge Ann Voskamp fan. Her book changed my life during a very difficult trauma, and the only way I got through it was practicing joy through counting every day. I’ve filled several journals with counting and always keep one with me…I’ll be doing it for the rest of my life. There is so much healing power in gratitude, and I love that you have included it here. Welcome to Fresh Market Friday!! I’m so happy to have you sharing your passion and intentional living. Love making new friends and sharing this space together.
Thank you, Crystal. I’m walking through one of those tough stages of life right now. I am trying my best to find the positive in every day. I am so glad I found your link-up. I look forward to participating in the future!
🙂 This post makes me happy. There’s a reason I suggested it. We’re refocusing on the good things. We were both only seeing negative. I need it every bit as much as you. By the way, remember the name of my blog? 😀 Love you.
Hugs,
Melinda
I am glad you suggested the nightly check-ins! Yes, I remember the name of your blog! 😉
You and me both…I have craved avocados for days! And, I haven’t had one yet.
I am grateful today for clean eating. Choosing the right things. Clean sheets and a new mattress pad!
I have eaten three so far this week! There are two more in my fridge that need to be used. Tomorrow I believe I’m going to experiment with bacon and avocado grilled cheese sandwiches. 🙂