I certainly can find things to grumble about, taxes, the cost of living, the price of gas or food, politics, the rising price of avocados (the list could go on, fill in the blanks _______________, _______________), but I also have much to be grateful.

Practicing gratitude quiets the grumbling, chases away the blues, brings on a smile, shapes, and changes how I feel, it completely changes my perspective, and allows me to uncover new understanding and clarity. Practice means repetition, and with repetition my behavior becomes habit-formed.

After the winter holidays, I experience a blue period, a let down from the festivities. I love Christmas, I love the music, and I love the celebration. I miss the spirit of Christmas.

While I look forward to the possibilities and potential of the New Year that may have been traditionally highlighted with a bag of Cheetos, I also enjoy goal setting and the unfolding wonder of what might become of what might come to fruition. And then it all ends. I return to work, the lights are put away, the candles snuffed and the normalcy of my day-to-day grind has me wishing for vacation by the end of January. More importantly, the moods of kindness, acceptance, joy, and hope are pushed out of consciousness like the box of ornaments put back into the attic. I need more re-entry time, perhaps a week to feel the blues, snap back into reality and get focused on my goals. Gratitude helps me push through this gloomy space.

Sometimes on my way to work, I say out loud all the things for which I am grateful. I usually start with the weather, eventually moving onto more significant reasons for gratitude, loved ones and experiences, and on most mornings, I am grateful for coffee. By the time I get to work, I can smile and mean it from the inside out. This is a particularly important process on Monday’s, dreaded Monday’s. I would also like a buffer day between Sunday and Monday. Is that asking for too much?

Other times I write my gratitude list while I am in bed. I review the day and remember all the things that went right, the positive interactions, and the surprises. I am grateful for the near-disasters, the solutions that presented themselves when needed, and the lessons. I snuggle down feeling productive and satisfied at the end of 24 hours well lived. Written down I can review my day and experience a secondary glow, an emotional boost re-reading all that I am grateful.

Gratitude might have the power to bring people together – if we each had that glow, the feelings of joy that come from taking stock of our blessings, might the world be better for it? If I know what has been good in my life, why would I be envious of what good you have in your life? Why would I feel less? Less fortunate, less lucky, or good looking … This practice makes me look at myself. Looking inward with deep introspection leaves little space for comparing myself to others.

Being grateful does not mean my life is perfect, it means twisting the lens to see the gifts despite the chaos, despite what may be lacking, despite what I long for. That enhanced view sheds light in the darkness, and Monday’s do not seem so bad.

I do not remember where I read it suggested, but for 2019, I created a Good Stuff Jar.  Anything that happens that is positive, inspiring or wonderful I write down and put into the jar. I am slightly surprised by how full it is. Making a conscious effort to remember and take note means that I pay more attention to my life and day-to-day interactions. The good stuff is more vivid and clear to me. A smile sneaks its way onto my face remembering what was good – good enough.

Although the New Year may begin with that bag of crunchy Cheetos, it will be highlighted by all the good stuff of 2019. I am grateful.