It’s that time of year where we are so busy running around we forget to stop and smell the roses.  Okay, I know that’s a cliché.  For most people, at least in this country (U.S.), the rose bushes are dormant this time of year.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t stop to smell the roses figuratively.  Look around for things to be grateful for. It just might be what you need to dress up your mood.

There are always things, people, and events in everyone’s life that are good. Sometimes we just have to stop rushing through life long enough to see them.

Some things to be grateful for:

• the smile on your child’s face when you kiss them goodnight
• a roof over your head
• food to eat
• clothes and shoes to wear
• that fact that you are reading this blog post on a computer – you can read!
• your dog or cat greeting you when you get home – pets love unconditionally
• freedom to celebrate your religious holiday
• your family’s and your own health

The list goes on and on.  Take a few minutes each day to write down the things you are grateful for. Create a gratitude journal with a fancy journal, spiral notebook, or even on your smartphone or computer. It doesn’t matter how you do it.

The important thing is to write down what you are grateful for. Then read it anytime you feel overwhelmed, out of sorts, or depressed. Heck, you might want to read it first thing each morning to dress your day up right. You’ll be amazed how something this simple can have such a profound positive effect on your attitude.

Below are some previous posts I wrote about gratitude. Check them out for more motivation and ideas on how you can start wearing gratitude to help put a smile on your face.

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” ~Epictetus

“If you count all your assets, you always show a profit.” ~Robert Quillen

 

To a lighter load along the way.

Janice