I started this little personal project of acknowledging daily gratitudes for 30 days when I was sitting at kind of a low point in my life, back in December of 2009. It proved to be transformative to seek out and celebrate what I feel truly blessed to have in my life, during a time of year that is so steeped in expectation, wants and commercialism. Each year since, I have committed to this same meditation in gratitude.
From 2011:"My Papa always said that it takes 30 days to break a habit, or 30 days of meditation to really begin to effect a change within you. Focusing on daily gratitudes has helped me to recommit myself to the things that move and inspire me during a very hectic and stressful time of year. Some of these gratitudes are small and silly, some of them bind me to my community and are woven in the deeper strands of my heart. It's the moment that you take the pause and find the glimmer...that's where the good stuff is...in that moment, in that pause, in that gratitude...no matter how simple, right?"
Some days I feel awash in it, and I don't have enough words to express how deeply held my gratitude is...and some days...well...I really have to sit with it, and search for it...and recognize that I'm having a really hard time feeling thankful for very much. It seems to me though, that it's the actual *practice* of turning inward and deeply seeking what it is that enhances your life, fills your cup and completes you that can prove to be the balm for what pains you in the first place. At least that's how I've come to explain how much fuller I feel at the end of the 30 days than I do at the start.
So here we go with year 7 (Lucky 7!)....and this is where I ask you if you'd like to join me. There's no pressure, no rules, no expectations...but if you'd like to bumble along this path with me...with us, I'd love to have you along. As usual, my goal is to finish on New Year's Eve. It seems like a fitting way to welcome 2016, no? I know that December has 31 days, but this way I have a 'gimme' somewhere along the way in case I need it. Some days it’s just hard to get it to all come together. If you want to shout out your gratitude, feel free to put it in the comments, link to your blog, your Flickr, your Instagram, Facebook it up...whatever works for you. Over the years we've had many folks join us in a whole host of different ways. I've cleared out last year's participants from the blog-roll over there on the right hand side. If you'd like to be re-added or wanna give it a fresh go, I'd love to add you, just let me know. Want to hold your gratitude in silence? Equally as groovy. Already finished a 30 day gratitude project? Or maybe not feeling it this year? Not feeling it any year? No explanation necessary...
Feeling like you wanna play? Great! We begin tomorrow.
With love,
Jote