Happy Thanksgiving! I wanted to share a Gratitude Exercise with you…
Not only is today a day of thanksgiving, but we’re also nearing the end of 2022…a great time to REFLECT and BE GRATEFUL!
I’m sharing our Gratitude Exercise that I do myself EVERY YEAR.
ONE. Set the environment.
Find a private, comfortable, refreshing location where you can spend a little quiet time alone. Choose the time of day where you tend to feel your best. I love early mornings in my sunroom.
You can turn on your favorite relaxing music, light candles (if that’s your thing!), grab a cup of coffee or maybe choose your favorite outdoor location in nature where you feel most inspired.
TWO. Reflect and consider.
Spend some time thinking about all of the life and work-related activities over the last 11 months. Consider the following questions:
● What are some of the events and circumstances you’ve experienced this last year?
● What things are you proud to have accomplished this year?
● What have you learned about yourself?
● What challenges have you overcome?
● How have you grown?
● Think of a few meaningful moments/memories from the year.
● Consider all of the people in your personal and professional life. How have each of them played a role in your life and work this year? What do you most appreciate about them?
● What and who are you especially thankful for?
● What are you looking forward to? Personally? Professionally?
THREE. Write.
Take time to write some of your answers to these questions. You can create categories for yourself with a list of bullet points under each:
● Accomplishments
● Moments to Remember
● Lessons Learned
● Challenges and Areas of Growth
● Specific Gratitude Points
● Looking Forward
Or just write one big list of bullet points with thoughts, memories, and gratitude points that come to mind. Whatever works best for you.
FOUR. Share what’s there.
Looking back and being thankful can be rewarding. It’s even more impactful when you share the experience with others in some way.
● You can do this exercise with a buddy, and share what you wrote with each other.
● If you do the exercise on your own, you can share some of what you wrote with a trusted friend, colleague, spouse, or mentor.
● If any accomplishments, meaningful moments, gratitude points, etc. involve others in your life or work, consider taking the additional step of acknowledging them – to express your gratitude and appreciation for what they mean to you. It will make their day and yours!
I hope this exercise is an opportunity for you to press the pause button on the craziness of life for a short time – and that it is an encouragement for you and others!
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