As soon as my alarm went off this morning, my hand went up and hit the snooze button. While I lingered under the covers, I engaged in an internal dialogue, bemoaning the fact that it was Monday already. With each thought of dread, I felt my mood worsening, and I knew that I needed to change direction immediately. So, I resorted to a ritual to salvage my morning and my mood.
I begin and end each day with a practice that is so simple, yet very meaningful. I identify at least five things that I am grateful for, shortly after I open my eyes and again before I close them to go to sleep. It works like a charm in starting and ending my day on a positive note. Today was no exception.
To kick my sour mood to the curb, I began listing the things which I was grateful for on this dreary Monday morning:
I am grateful that I have a job to go to that allows me to help others and that enables me to provide for my family financially. Instead of mourning the end of another weekend, I focused on all of the benefits of the work that I do and the position that I have. That shift actually made me feel a bit excited about getting to the office and getting my day under way.
I am grateful for the new memories that I created with old friends over the weekend. After spending a fun weekend with some friends from college, my heart-felt full and happy. While I felt tired from the trip, I also felt re-energized. There is something to be said about spending time with people who make you smile and laugh and who love and accept you all of these years later.
I am grateful that my daughters are enrolled in their respective schools. I was not the only one having to get up early this morning, as my daughters had to roll out of bed for school. Before I woke them up, I thought of how fortunate they are to attend the school of their choice that provides them with an excellent education and genuine friendships. As a parent, I cannot ask for anything more.
I am grateful for a short week. I still cannot wrap my brain around the fact that this is Thanksgiving week, but it is upon us indeed. One of the perks is that my daughters have a two-day school week, while I have a three-day work week. I am looking forward to a break from the grind of work and school to spend time together as a family to celebrate one of my favorite holidays.
I am grateful that I am healthy, both physically and emotionally. Given the physical and emotional challenges of the last seven years, I am relieved and thankful to be able to say that anxiety and depression are no longer my constant companions, and my physical health is excellent right now. It is a new normal for me, and I like it. A lot.
Monday had the potential to come off of the rails first thing this morning, but thanks to gratitude, I was able to get it back on track, where it remained the rest of the day. I am not sure what tomorrow will bring, but I will greet it with gratitude.
Just one thing each day . . .
Categories: Just One Thing Each Day
That's Another Story 
Thanks for the reminder! 🙏🏼❤️🦃
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You are more than welcome:)
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