Did You Know There Is a Gratitude Challenge?

I am grateful for moments that make me smile. From the car window I noticed the three as they progressed down the sidewalk.

A father and  young daughter walked together.  I imagine she was heading for school.  What made me smile was the black kitty that was doing "quick time" to stay close if not in step with them.  


It was almost a an animated cartoon image.  I have noticed the cat before.  He really likes walking with his "people".  I am grateful for moments like this of pure joy.


Tiny Prints has a 21 Day Gratitude Challenge on their website.  They have links to bloggers' who have taken the 21 Day Challenge in the past.  These people have posted about their experiences with the Gratitude Challenge.  Tiny Prints also supplies a 21 Day Calendar with ideas to focus on for each of the 21 days.  http://www.gratitudechallenge.com/


In the past I have accepted two other challenges - Two Writing Teachers 30 day Writing Challenge (March); and the A to Z Writing Challenge (April).  Each of these challenges have helped me grow as a writer and as a person.  I have decided that I am ready for a new challenge.  I have decided to take the 21 Day Gratitude Challenge as the next step with my "One Little Word" adventure.  It is already taking me in new directions.

• "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. " - Melodie Beattie

I really liked this quote. It says so much to my heart.  Thank you for keeping me company on this journey.

What's a Gratitude Journal?

I love researching and looking for things, information.  After choosing my "One Little Word"  I entered it into google and played.  In t he back of my mind I remember seeing Oprah clips about keeping a gratitude journal.  I remember you were supposed to write down 5 things every night that you were grateful for.


So I googled "Gratitude Journal".  There were some really good articles.One article I read was "How to Keep a Gratitude Journal".  It gave a few simple steps.  http://www.ehow.com/how_2088881_keep-gratitude-journal.html?ref=f.  Interestingly enough there was another post about keeping a "Gratitude Calendar" - writing intentions.  I need to play with these ideas.


In the back of my mind I kept thinking there had been a book about gratitude on one of the talk shows.  Well I found a clip where Oprah was talking with Sarah Ban Breathnach about her book "Simple Abundance".  A book I have not read.  Now I have two books on my list to read.
http://www.oprah.com/oprahradio/Sarah-Ban-Breathnach-on-Oprahs-Soul-Series-Video_1

The video clip was interesting and told the back-story of how Oprah came to find out about the book.  I enjoyed the clip.  And want to see if I can find the original show that Oprah did about the book "Simple Abundance".


It has always amazed me that when I start to study something it shows up everywhere.  The basic steps that I read about and am planning on trying.


1.  Pick a notebook or journal to write in.


2.  Look for things during the day that I am grateful for.  Make mental notes.  


3.  Write 5 things I am grateful for every night.  Write a few words about each blessing.


4.  View obstacles as opportunities to appreciate.


5.  Focus on the wonderful things in life.  This becomes a "Positive Energy Magnet".


6.  Personalize the journal.  Keep clippings, pictures etc.


I can tell this "One Little Word" is taking on a life of its own. I must have really needed this.  Today is only the 4th day of focusing on this word and its meaning,  and I already have two books I want to read.