Last year I started a new type of daily journaling. Every evening a write down 5 accomplishments, something I am grateful for and something I appreciate. The accomplishments are fairly simple. I struggle with that one thing that I am grateful for and another thing that I appreciate. I have actually looked up the definition. I still get confused.
“Gratitude – an emotion expressing appreciation for what one has”
“Appreciation – the recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something”
My mind still focuses on what I want to achieve, what I want to change, etc. It is so easy to take for granted and miss the little things that I am grateful for. I know that they happen every day, such as a phone call from an adult child, the peaceful walk with my dog, the sunset, clean air, the extra 5 minutes I laid in bed before getting up, the thank you from a client, the kiss on the cheek from my husband, the list goes on. Despite my challenge paying attention to these items must be working! My underlying level of frustration or anger has decreased. It is much easier to let life play out as it does, instead of wanting it my way. I am starting to expect the good in the changes, not even thinking about the bad. Let the good times, roll.
Mary Guldan-Lindstrom
