Every night when I get ready for bed (okay, maybe not every night, but 90% of the time), I take time to reflect on my day and find 3 things to be grateful for in my life. Some days the prose flows beautifully. Other days I’m lucky to get out “I’m grateful for a roof over my head.” But every thought helps me to focus on the positive in some way. For me, that helps re-frame my days to be blessings.
While this isn’t an Earth-shattering epiphany, it was a new way to deliberately focus on the positive aspect of my blessed life. Sure, finances could be better, the weather could be motorcycle weather all year, blended family life and having an ex-wife could be easier, health problems and death could take a break (it’s been a rough year) or other issues could go away … but that isn’t life. In life we will face challenges. The secret is in how we deal with those obstacles.
I also know that left to my own thoughts, it’s easy to go down dark paths. Full disclosure — I’m an annoying optimist. I’m happy and hopeful most of the time. It’s my natural inclination. However, I’m not immune to struggle. I have people close to me who face true Depression with a capital D. I’m fortunate that it’s not my world at the moment. My hope is that by sharing this ritual of gratitude I’ve developed, I may inspire someone to give it a try and it may become one more weapon in the fight against Depression.
One final thought on this gratitude journal: I want to thank two men who inspired me to do this. A conversation with Men of Abundance host Wally Carmichael where we talked about an “attitude of gratitude” and the abundant mindset kicked off my desire to be more grateful. Subsequent conversations with Dr. Joey Faucette after reading his book Faith Positive in a Negative World helped me focus on how to be grateful with a purpose. So thank you to these two good men for inspiring this focus.
What do I write about in my gratitude journal?
Each night when I make time to write, I find three things from that day that moved me. Below are examples from the last couple months, from different days. These are actual gratitude journal entries, in no particular order.
My family.
I’m grateful for ice skating and Biggby with my daughters, and their appreciation of me taking them to the ice rink. Nothing special, but time connecting, laughing and enjoying our time together. We even snapped a photo. These young ladies amaze me.
Today I’m grateful for my partner in marriage. We cooked meals for today and for the week as work to get healthy. I enjoyed our kitchen time and feeling healthy.
I’m grateful for my parents and their 43rd wedding anniversary. They’re an inspiration, and I love them.
People who touch my life.
I’m grateful for my call today with Dr. Joey, his faith, his openness and sharing, and the blooming partnership/friendship.
I’m grateful for Dan Rose, who invited me to the Bible plan I’m taking part in this year. We’re reading the Bible as a virtual group and having discussion. It’s amazing.
I’m grateful for Nick. We had a visit and beers tonight, and I consider that man a brother. Humor and faith.
The work I love doing.
I’m grateful for our new client Robin who brought great energy to our 5am call, then reviewed Interview Valet on Facebook.
I’m grateful for Tom Schwab. Supportive, encouraging, faithful, positive… working at Interview Valet is proving to be a terrific choice & adventure.
I’m grateful for The Storytellers Network. I interviewed two great guys today: Erik Weihenmayer and Niel Guilarte. They were wise, inspirational and fun. And without the show, I wouldn’t have been able to make that connection.
Events that change me.
I’m grateful for Shirley, whom I met and told me the story of her fall that wrecked her face, the healing God brought, the 5k she completed and the journey she’s on with business coaching. I hope she becomes a client.
I’m grateful for the time I have. My friend Steve Woloszyk was killed this weekend suddenly and tragically. I still don’t know why. But this good man leaves behind a wife, kids and grandchildren… not to mention a legacy of love and giving. It was too soon. You never know. So I’m grateful for every day God gives me.
I’m grateful for our kitties. Max and Mocha have had a parasite for a while and now they’re on treatment. I pray it helps them. We love having them as part of our family.
The simple, little, daily things.
I’m grateful for the miracle of human flight, as Zoey flew from her dad’s in Louisiana home, safe and sound.
I’m grateful for a heated home. As cold and annoyed as I am, I still have heat and a roof.
I’m grateful for bed time with my daughters. I enjoy prayers and talks and snuggles, even at this age.
Does it help?
Well, I can tell you that reading over these moments from the last 2 1/2 months has brought about some serious feelings of thankfulness in me as I write this article. I think it helps. My prayer for you, if you’re reading this, is that you’ll try this for 30 days. Write these in a handwritten journal, or in “notes” on your phone … but write them. Take time to reflect.
And if you’re needing help with Depression, please know you’re not alone. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Photo by Dariusz Sankowski on Unsplash
