Take A Moment For Gratitude

We live in such a fast-paced world, where everything is go, go, go. We move from one task to the next sometimes not even remembering what we’ve done or if we did what we needed to do.

When we catch ourselves doing that, we have to take a moment and pause. Life isn’t a race to the end.

As we are about to head into a busy holiday season and end of year craziness, it’s important to remember to take a moment for gratitude.

Pause and Reflect

I hear so often how time flies. And as I’ve gotten older, I realize how much that is true. I feel like I should only be in my 20s, but I’m a couple decades above that! And sometimes, I wonder where the time went.

It’s in those moments that I remember I have to slow down. I have so much to be thankful for, but I feel like I’m striving for more in my life. More time with my loved ones, more time enjoying the nice weather when we have it, more time with my animals. Just more.

But I have the same amount of time in the day as everyone else.

When I’m feeling rushed in making dinner, I remind myself to be thankful I have a family to spend time with. It’s easy to get into a negative mindset. It takes time and effort to change that. And what a great time of year to do so! 

Moments of gratitude can burst through the crazy day like a ray of sunshine on a cloud day. When it happens, stop, take a moment. That few minutes can alter your perception for the better.

What are you thankful for?

Even the things we want better or more of (money, a better job, better economy) we can still be grateful for the money we have, the job that pays the bills, even if it’s not what we want to do.

Sometimes, we have to break it down even smaller to find something to be grateful for in our situation even if our situation is downright terrible at the moment.

Is the sun shining? Can you feel a cool breeze on your skin? Do you have a laughing child? An animal that wants to cuddle with you? A cozy blanket? Anything? There has to be something in your life that brings you joy and a smile to your face.

Start small and be thankful for even the smallest thing that brings you joy. And it doesn’t matter what it is. If it brings you joy, it’s worth it.

Understand what is important

Sometimes what is important is the most simplest of things.We think we need better or bigger, but really all we need is something simple and basic.

Think about what is important to you. What are your hobbies? The things that bring a smile to your face? Those are the things that are important to you. And they will be different for everyone.

Don’t change what brings you joy or what you are grateful for just to fit in. You are a unique, beautiful person, just the way you are. Embrace your uniqueness. 

Spend time with those you love

I have the most amazing child and I love to give him gifts as most parents do. But really, what my child wants the most is to spend time with me. So often I hear, “Mama, sit with me!” No matter what he’s doing, he just wants me near.

Oftentimes, as most busy parents can attest, I am running from one chore to the next, but then I stop and think. Is it really that important right now that the dishes are washed? What’s really important is spending time with my child.

At the end of the day, my child won’t remember or care if the dishes were done, but the time I spent will be remembered.

Take a moment for gratitude

During the hustle and bustle of your busy day during this holiday season, take a moment for gratitude. Each day, write down one thing you are thankful for no matter how big or small it is. 

Do you have a warm coat to keep the chill out? A nice cup of coffee? Did you see the blue sky break through on a cloud day? 

Whatever it may be, honor it. Embrace the beauty of it and watch as gratitude grows.