Take the Gratitude Challenge !
When
we practice gratitude, sometimes it tends to be a quick, shallow gratitude. We
say a quick thank you, or list what we’re grateful for, but it is
momentary. As soon as we’ve finished
saying the words, we often move on to thinking about something else. Real
gratitude should be deeper and more meaningful than that. It should affect both the giver and the
receiver for more than just a moment. So
here is the challenge.
Each day this week, think of one person you
are grateful for and a specific time (or times) they did or said something that
blessed you.
Think
of a specific situation and reason you are grateful for that person. Really think about it. Let it sink in. It doesn’t have to be for something
monumental. It can be as simple as being
thankful for the bus driver that picks up your kids and gets them to school
safely every morning, or the bagger at the grocery store that packs up your
groceries for you. It can highlight generational
appreciation, like being thankful for your grandmother who taught you how to
make her amazing apple pie. It can be expressing
thanks to your kids for always wanting a goodnight kiss from you before bed. If
you really stop to think about it, there are probably a whole lot of people to
be grateful for.
Take the time to thank that person – intentionally,
specifically, and meaningfully.
Tell that
person specifically why you are thankful for them or for what they have done. Thank them face-to-face; write them a letter;
call them on the phone; send them a text. It doesn’t really matter what medium is
used. What matters is that you
communicate your gratitude in an intentional and specific manner. “Thank you so much for saving me a seat at
lunch today. That was really considerate.” means a lot more than just a quick “thanks”.
Expressing
gratitude can truly be restorative to your demeanor, your health, and your
relationships. It is also a kindness
than really blesses others and is so needed in the world we live in today.
Try it out!
See what the gratitude challenge can do for you and the people around
you!
