We may value something based on how much we'd get if we sold it, who it belonged to, how we received it, how we would feel if we lost it. In other words, what it means to us.
This was brought home recently when Facebook jogged my memory with a picture of my first ever handknit shawl.
I've talked about the Gratitude Jar over the last couple of years. I love the idea of looking back at the positives.
You know, if you're like me, you tend to remember the negatives - the losses, missed opportunities, sadness, things you may still be mad about, what you didn't do, didn't have, didn't see! But the good stuff? Well, those can be forgotten - maybe not the huge things, but the things we often experience and appreciate at the time, and the memory slips away. It's easy for the negatives to drown them out.
Now I have a confession to make! I fully intended to have a Gratitude Jar this past year. New Year's Eve came and I realized I didn't add one piece of paper in the jar! Yikes! As I think back, at the very beginning of the year, things happened - there was big change in my life. Plus I was dealing with a sick husband and barely getting enough sleep to keep going at that time. A couple months later there were two other losses that were even more life-changing. Yes, there were some real highs during the year, but overall it's difficult to look back and see the many times I truly felt gratitude.
Well, all that to say it's easy to see why the Gratitude Jar wasn't a top priority - but I wish it had been. If I had just put it on my calendar, I could have captured those moments of gratitude that I know were there throughout the year. Then I could have looked back, been reminded of each of those occasions and felt more thankfulness. Instead, I struggle to think of more than the big high's. You know, it's the little things that add up to a full year of amazingness.
I don't want that to happen this year. Are you with me?
OK, so what is a Gratitude Jar? If you haven't heard of it, it's just a way to collect memories of what we are grateful for. Notice the little things. Jot down some specifics, not just it was a nice sunny day, but it was a nice sunny day so we went out for a ride and sat in the car and looked at the lake - there were some sailboats and kayaks and I loved how the sun shimmered on the surface of the water - it reminded me that I can find peace when I stop and look for it - so you remember enough of the details later - and add the date! On New Year's Eve, or thereabouts, read through them and reflect. Remember all you are grateful for.
For a little more info, check out my short video. And remember, the more you add to the jar, the more you have to review at the end of the year.
Check out my original Gratitude Jar blog post!
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- Looking for like-minded thoughtful women who feel alone or invisible? It's time to blossom by confidently embracing health and finding significance and community! Check out my FB group: Solitary Senior Sisters.
Loss of health - oh, this is a tough one for sure - lying in bed or sitting in a chair and being unable to get up or to do what you want to do. Then there's the need to depend on someone else to do things for you...yes, this is frustrating.
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Have you ever experienced the loss of a job? - it might be totally unexpected or you knew it was coming. That's not the point, but the question is "what happens now?"
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Everyone experiences "loss" differently. Plus, there are different kinds of "losses." The first that comes to mind is the loss of a loved one.
In my case, I recently "lost" my mom. Losing a parent is heartbreaking and wrenching.
Read more...In my case, I recently "lost" my mom. Losing a parent is heartbreaking and wrenching.
