A few years ago, a friend of mine introduced me to a practice that completely transformed her life, and I decided to give it a try. Each morning, as soon as my feet touch the floor, I take a moment to reflect on the things I’m grateful for.
I express my gratitude for simply waking up, for my children, for clean water, and even for a lunch date with a friend. I make it a point to cherish every small joy and acknowledge the peace they bring me. After that, I set my intentions for the day, outlining tasks I need to tackle, household chores, and quality time with my family and friends. Somehow, I manage to accomplish it all.
The Shift in Mindset
This shift in mindset took time and practice. I used to wake up in a state of chaos, overwhelmed by my to-do list and unaware of the mental turmoil I was creating. Instead of being grateful for the trees, the air, and my children, I was often anxious and stressed, feeling the weight of every little inconvenience.
Initially, this morning ritual was challenging; my mind constantly tried to revert to its old habits. But now, it’s become second nature and a much healthier way to begin my day than allowing anxiety to dictate my mornings. I consider this time my personal church service. If I skip it, the consequences are palpable. This practice has brought me more peace than countless Sundays spent in a pew, and when I neglect it, my day often falls apart, leaving me feeling unproductive.
Finding Joy in the Little Things
After dropping my kids off at school, I plug in my earbuds and listen to an uplifting podcast or some nostalgic tunes from the ’80s and ’90s that transport me back to a simpler time. When I run, I feel invigorated and ready to tackle whatever lies ahead. Taking this time for myself has proven beneficial not just for me, but for my family as well.
I believe in modeling positive behavior, so I encourage my kids to embrace mindfulness and gratitude. My oldest son has discovered his own sanctuary at the gym, my daughter finds joy in singing, and my youngest immerses himself in drawing. Witnessing their self-confidence grow as they engage in these activities reassures me that they are developing habits that will serve them well into adulthood.
While they may not always appreciate my advice—especially when it comes to mundane complaints like running out of cheese—I remind them to be grateful for their dad’s desire to spend time with them. I often tell them to consider the other food options available in the fridge, preparing them for the reality that life doesn’t always go as planned.
Spirituality Beyond the Church
Spirituality, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary, is “the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.” In my family, attending church does not resonate as a meaningful way to nurture our souls. However, I respect that everyone has their own path. What truly matters is engaging in activities that nourish your spirit and make you feel alive.
I practice my spirituality daily by connecting with nature. My church is witnessing an owl glide past or a family of deer traversing the snowy landscape. It’s about pushing myself physically and mentally, even when I don’t feel like it. This practice has not only shown me my capabilities but has also built resilience for life’s challenges.
My church is taking the time to appreciate the little things that bring me joy and consciously acknowledging them every day—because if they were to vanish, I would regret taking them for granted. Nothing resonates more with me than being present in the moment.
Sharing the Mindset with My Kids
I strive to share this mindset with my kids, even if they roll their eyes at me. I believe they gain so much from being mindful and intentional in their daily lives. I’ve had my share of years living without this spiritual awareness, and I have no intention of returning to that. I hope my children can explore their spirituality much earlier than I did.
Resources for Enhancing Your Journey
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Conclusion
In summary, embracing gratitude and mindfulness has transformed my mornings into a sacred ritual that nourishes my spirit, enhances my resilience, and sets a positive example for my children. This practice empowers us to appreciate the little things in life while fostering habits that enable us to live our best lives.
Keyphrase: mindfulness and gratitude practice
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