The Gratitude Effect

 

Mommaw & Charley... deep in conversation

Hey, God!

    For about a year now I have been keeping a "Gratitude Journal." I don't know if you would call it a journal, more like a list. Early every morning, during my quiet time, I write down 5 things I'm grateful for. I'll be honest with you some days it's hard to come up with 5 things. Not because I'm not grateful, but sometimes it's difficult to see the gratitude in the mundane.  I was listening to a Rachel Hollis podcast, and she said she kept a gratitude journal and how it changed the outlook of her day. It puts you in a mindset of gratitude; therefore, you are looking for things to be grateful for each day. Yesterday morning I took Charley to school, and I was just tired and not in the mood. I have been in a really bad habit lately of going to bed too late and still getting up early. It's a vicious cycle. She started playing worship music and like always, it changed my whole mindset and mood. I was in a good mood yesterday even with feeling like I had a million things to do. It made me smile and I whispered, thank you God that she loves Jesus and has a heart for praise and worship. 

    When you have an "attitude of gratitude" it makes you LOOK for things every day. I was able to get myself out of bed, I have a bed and a home, I have a family whom I love and that love me, despite my craziness (don't tell them I admitted that!) Each day you have something to be grateful for. If you can't find anything, well you did wake up this morning so that's the first thing. Look for them, seek them out, it can be absolutely anything. 

    My sister, Atasha takes my Mommaw to Bluegrass in the Park on Wednesday nights at Gypsy Hill Park. Last night, Charley and I met them there. I like bluegrass music, so it wasn't terrible to join them. But my gratitude came from the fact that I still have grandparents on both sides of my family. I have Mommaw, Nana & Poppaw which means my kids have great-grandparents. They probably don't realize how blessed they are of this fact; they are too young for that; but it's a pretty amazing thing in my opinion.  It's most definitely something to be grateful for!

    Start each day with 5 things you are grateful for. Think back over the previous day, sit in the moment and the memory of it. And, if you just can't find anything at all, then ask God to bring them to your mind and make you see them.  It will start your day on a positive note and make you more aware of your blessings. Here are my 5 for today (right from my journal):

• Bluegrass in the park with family and friends
• Paydays
• 2 good days at the store
• Working the "Budgetnista" plan
• Praise & Worship music with Charley putting me in a better mood. 

    I'll add a bonus... I'm grateful for each of you that follow this blog and share it. 💕

Wishing you sunny skies and green pastures,

McKession