Hello, all! This is a 30 day 'attitude of gratitude' writing challenge. I am doing this with my students, and I thought I'd challenge you, too!
Here's how it works:
1. Set a timer for 3 - 5 minutes
2. Write down anything and everything for which you are grateful. Think about the people, pets, events, and other various things in your life that put a smile on your face.
3. When the timer goes off, count how many people, items, experiences are on your list.
4. Although your list might be similar every day, try adding 1 -2 more items to your daily list.
The idea is that when you know you need to add more to your list, you will force yourself to begin looking at life with gratitude and from different points of view. Also, if you look your list from day 1, you may have 5 things there (or more). Each day, you have new experiences, and hopefully at least one of those experiences or interactions is positive. Therefore, each day, you should be able to find one or two additional things to add to your "grateful" list.
As your stamina for writing and gratitude grows, increase your time on your timer. Eventually, you may find you don't need or use a timer.
What if I'm not grateful for anything?
I would suggest looking at your life through another person's eyes. How does your life look through the eyes of someone who loves you? Mother? Father? Sibling? Spouse? Friend?
It really is all about point of view. See the example below.
The first year I tried working with students on being thankful for what they have the following conversation took place during class.
Student: My dad left. How am I supposed to be happy about that?
Me: You're not. Or at least you don't have to be. Is your mom still around?
Student: Yes
Me: Does she spend time with you?
Student: Yes
Me: Do you feel loved by her?
Student: Yes
Me: Then that's what you're grateful for. You can be grateful or thankful that she stayed. That she loves you. That she works hard to make sure you come to school. That she works to support you. Focus on what you have, not what you don't.
It was a very touching moment in my classroom. Both the student and I had tears in our eyes. He said he understood and was able to write a beautiful essay about his mother.
