04 Dec Go Be Thankful!
Go Be Thankful!
There is something about being odd that I really enjoy. My personality hates being put into a one-size-fits-all box. Sometimes I intentionally do things differently just for the sake of doing it differently. “I’m different!” I say to myself…”I am not stereotypical.” This part of me writhes at the idea of writing a blog based on the idea of thankfulness at this time of year (Just after Thanksgiving too). I guess this is what I get for thinking myself so “unique” when really it’s kind of stereotypical to try to be different…
Oh well.
While it is a typical thing to think about this time of year, I have been trying to make thankfulness a more predominate aspect of my life. I find that the more I focus on my complaints about life the more I feel dragged down into the very mess I am complaining about.
Don’t get me wrong, I think it is important to acknowledge the things that suck. There is a release that takes place after a well-placed venting session. “Whew. That feels good.” However, there is a tendency to not just release the frustration, but to steep in it. Soaking in my ruminations about my frustrations and complaints rarely leads to a good end. I want to love my life…not constantly beat the drums of woe to the tired old dance of life’s irritations.
This is where thankfulness comes in.
“Steep yourself in God reality, God initiative, and God provisions.”
Matthew 6:23 MSG
It’s a little mix of positive thinking habits mixed with some focus training. Main concept: “You go where you look.”
I have heard that people who are ski jumpers or water skiers are told not look down when they are learning the sport. “If you look at your feet, that’s where you’ll be.” *splash* Right in the water. Trainers tell their students to look to the top of the hill they are shooting for or to the horizon. They tend to go much farther when their focus is on or further than the intended goal.
Our lives are the same way. The more I focus on the things that are going right, the more I start to see all the positive things that are happening. So I have made it my mission to start thinking about all the things that I am thankful for on a continual basis. The more I soak in the goodness that I can notice, the more joy I experience, and the more I begin to notice the goodness. (Vicious cycle much?) It may seem a little basic, but sometimes a good reminder of the basic things is all we need.
“Keep your eye on the ball!”
So here is my challenge to you: Go be thankful in a measurable way. Write down 3-5 things that you’re thankful for 3 times a day for the next week couple of weeks. See how your outlook on life changes. Tell someone you love something that you appreciate about them this week. Observe how making others feel appreciated can put a lil’ pep in your step. It may feel odd at first cause we tend to fall into the habit of staring at all the negative stuff. Maybe you will like to be like me and just embrace the oddness!
As for me, I am just thankful that you decided to read this blog to the end. That was pretty cool of you! Thanks!
PS: Have the merriest of Christmases and the happiest of Holidays from all of us at Empowered Life Counseling!
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