Feeling Grateful

Yes, it's the time of year for giving thanks, but why not make it a daily practice?

I love this time of year, but I know not everyone feels that way. Today, I want to give you a couple ideas to help you on the road to blissful serenity. And as Thanksgiving approaches, I realize that giving thanks doesn’t need to be a once-a-year thing.

About a year ago I started a nightly ritual. It began with a little book called Calm the Chaos, a journal by Nicole Ries Taggart. Since then, each night I write in the journal, “Today… I took care of my self in the following ways.” I write down all the positive things that happened that day. I list the easy things first:

• How I exercised.

• What nutritious food I ate.

• How many pages did I write?

• Did I go outside?

• What brought me joy?

And before closing the journal, I think of a positive mantra for the next day. Honestly, I don’t remember the mantra when I wake up the next day, but the act of doing so forces me to put a positive spin on tomorrow. And getting in the practice of being grateful for the good things has made a huge difference in how I perceive myself and my micro world.

An indirect way to lighten your mood, I learned, is with color therapy. In the last few weeks, I updated the looks in both my workspaces. For a visual, take a peek at the photos in my post, Clearing the Way for New Ideas. Using color therapy is a great way to bring a sense of calm to your space.

The website for Mental Health America lists what moods are impacted by color. Blue can bring serenity. Yellow can bring joy and orange can energize you. Which do you prefer for your space?

Colors can improve your mood or energize you. Which do you like best?

My piano space is white—mostly—because the two pianos take up so much space. I’ve removed the clutter in that room so it’s a place to relax and a place to focus. My husband loves blue. He had the great room walls painted pale blue green, and the effect is so calming. During the summer, it matches the leaves on the trees outside the windows. I like the way orange and teal accents pop out in that room but I prefer red accents in my writing room.

I’m happy with the redecorating projects. Now both rooms bring me joy in ways I never thought possible. And I’m grateful to have a new working space.

So back to that idea of giving thanks. Focusing on the positive, can trigger endorphins and feel good chemicals in your brain. It’s true. And by making it a more frequent practice to focus on what brings happiness can elevate your mood.

Here’s what else I’m thankful for:

• I’m grateful for my husband’s love and support.

• I’m grateful for the joy that my little grands bring.

• I’m grateful for what my indie author friends have taught me.

• I’m grateful for good reviews.

• I’m grateful for this supportive community of authors.

• I’m grateful for family and friends.

• I’m grateful for you, reader. You make this writing life so worthwhile.

When I take time to step away from my busy life, it gives me a chance to realize how much I have to be thankful for. I never diminish the importance of good health and a safe place to live. Those are tops on my list. I’m also grateful for the love and support of my family, and friends. Hopefully this post inspires you to tell someone you’re grateful for them next week.

Share your thoughts in the comments below. As always, I’d love to connect with you.