Read about The Ultimate Mom Challenge™ here.
March 2016 - This month, I am a GRATEFUL mom.
March Goals:
1. Read a relevant, popular book on the subject and start taking action as I read. March Pick (affiliate link): Attitudes of Gratitude
This book was exactly what I needed. Broken out into short, beautiful messages, it was easy to absorb and to reflect on one particular message each evening. I actually started reading the book again because some of the stories and messages were so empowering, I needed to delve further. I feel like this will be one of these books I can go back to time and again when I need a dose of fulfillment.
The book reiterates something that I believe with all my heart: gratitude keeps us present. It reminds us what is wonderful and fulfilling in our lives NOW. I spend so much time worrying about the future and dwelling on the past. Gratitude realigns me with the here and now, and that’s where I should be focused anyway! After all, we can’t change the past and we can’t predict the future. Unless you’ve discovered something I haven’t, in which case, do share!
3. Try one new activity that may help me accomplish my goal. March activity: Do something special to say thank you to the people I love. I’m thinking baked goodies and heartfelt thank you notes, but if I come up with other creative ideas, I’ll try those too!
My son and I baked brownies with the help of my niece. It was fun and my son was far more “helpful” than he’s been with previous baking efforts so I was extremely pleased. I think my family appreciated the baking gesture almost as much as the brownies themselves. Who doesn’t love unexpected treats?
4. Determine how I will involve the husband and kids so it’s a family experience, or at least, family benefit. March plan: I’ll talk to my husband about things we’re grateful for.
Ok, the conversation did not happen as a planned out, “let’s talk about everything we have to be grateful for” talk. Instead, it came together rather impromptu, with both of us beaming over all the amazing things our son is doing and saying every day. The conversation naturally progressed from there, and it felt genuine and authentic and not the slightest bit forced, which was one of my biggest fears with this goal.
What a beautiful month it’s been. I feel like my family and I are stronger and richer in gratitude with these simple changes and activities this month. I hope we can maintain some of these practices because I feel like a better, happier, and stronger person.
This month, I am a GRATEFUL mom.
Read my other posts for this month here.
Oh, and follow my progress on my Facebook page!
What a great idea to do this! I often think I need to have more gratitude but haven’t really figured out a way to do it daily in a concrete way. I love the idea of the 5 things you are grateful for each night! Thanks for sharing your ideas, I’m grateful for these!