Sometimes it’s so easy to let the hustle and bustle of our lives get in the way of the big picture. This time of Thanksgiving should really be about giving thanks – it’s in the name.
With Thanksgiving coming up, I’ve been running around this week like a crazy lady. I’ve been trying to get last minute errands done and make sure we have what we need for the holiday weekend. We are also celebrating Sam’s 1st birthday party this weekend, and I know that with Thanksgiving and Black Friday and all of the deals all weekend that the stores will be busy and there will be traffic. I’ve been trying to get everything ready for his party as well so I have time to enjoy the holiday without having to-do lists running through my head and feeling like I can’t just sit and relax and be with family.
Because that’s what this is about, after all. Family. Togetherness. Sometimes it’s so easy to let the hustle and bustle of our lives and those to-do lists and shopping lists get in the way of the big picture. This time of Thanksgiving should really be about giving thanks – it’s in the name.
I’ve been using a prayer journal to help with a guided daily practice of gratitude. This is a practice I started back in January of this year as a way to help me find the good in each day when I was in the darkness of postpartum depression and anxiety and struggling to find the light. It really is true that once you start looking for it, you find those moments of happiness and you can start to collect them.
It doesn’t have to be anything big and profound; it can be something small, like “I didn’t cry in the shower today” or “It didn’t rain today! Got to walk outside!” or “The baby finally pooped!” But then again, if you’re feeling it, go ahead and write down something big (“Being married to my best friend, I love him so much and I am so thankful to have him in my life” or “Being reminded that God doesn’t make mistakes. This means that I’m not a mistake, even when it feels like it. And it was no mistake to make me a mama, and Sam’s mama specifically.”).
It’s what you make it, and you get to find those things that make your heart happy. The spirit of gratitude journaling is just to be disciplined in finding those moments to be grateful. I have found that when I’ve looked back on past entries and past journals that I’m reminded of a season I’ve already forgotten about or a memory that wasn’t big enough to be solidified in my mind but is still so, so special.
So, in the spirit of the season, I was trying to think of ways – easy ways – to find those openings to talk about those things we are thankful for and to express gratitude. I have created a printable that you can use with your family (this would be great for little ones!) or to use as a prompt for a family discussion about being grateful and finding those things we’re thankful for!
The idea is to use each letter of the alphabet to prompt you to find something you are grateful for that begins with that letter. You can take this a couple of different directions. You can take the time to fill out worksheet yourself for some solitary gratitude or you can fill it out and share a couple of items you’ve listed. Another idea is to or just use it as a guide and go around with your family members at the dinner table or while you’re hanging out and have each person say something they’re grateful for until all the letters have been accounted for! Honestly, you can make this what you want it!
Click the link below to download a copy for yourself!
Drop a comment down below and let me know what you thought about this!! If you liked it, please share it with your friends! If you used the printout, take a picture & tag me @glimpseatgrace on social media
Featured Photo Credit: Photo by Katya from Pexels
