Over the last 7 years I was continuously reminded through posts online, books I read, and conversations with people how important it is to incorporate GRATITUDE into your life if you want to become the best you that you can be.
About 2 years ago this month, I took that “theory” seriously. I downloaded the Gratitude app and actively use it daily to this day.
I came across the universal symbol of gratitude online one day and claimed it as my own. It’s a beautiful spiral image that I felt deeply for immediately. I then had art created in its image. I tattooed the symbol over my heart and hung the symbol in my home. I even had a giant metal cutout of the symbol inlaid on my new concrete patio.
On my last birthday I made a “gratitude jar.” I found a large, unique jar, and on that birthday I set it out.
During my party, I stopped the music and dancing, took the microphone my DJ was using, and encouraged my closest friends to stop for a moment with me. I asked them to close their eyes and think of someone they were grateful for, sending them their love.
Next I asked them to picture something they were grateful for and embody the joy that thing provides them. Next I asked them to look inward at themselves, to send that gratitude and love to themselves simply for participating in this little birthday ritual with me.
That was the same night I set out my gratitude jar: 11/29/24. The jar sits on my mantel almost like a shrine. I have the gratitude symbol hung above it on the brick.
The jar is FULL today. It actually got filled the first night I placed it there on my last birthday. Now the jar is stuffed. Everyone who comes into my home is encouraged to write down something or someone they’re grateful for. They don’t need to sign it or date it or claim it.
The jar sits stuffed to the brim currently. I have opened it a time or two over this last year. The joy I get when reading the notes written by my loved ones, and of course, myself, over this last year is beautiful. I love reading them and being reminded of the beauty this world offers if we simply stop long enough to notice.
I believe incorporating gratitude into my life was the missing link for me. Once I fully embraced gratitude, my entire mindset shifted. Now when everything falls apart, my first instinct is to find the silver lining. Learning gratitude and practicing it daily has shifted my outlook so substantially. Now I embody gratitude. Those little steps in practicing gratitude will turn into a life of love and joy. I promise you won’t regret it. For that I am grateful.
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