Keep Perspective: Embrace Daily Gratitude

Ah, Thanksgiving. That time of year when the air is filled with the aroma of roasted turkey, the laughter of loved ones, and a sense of warmth that only comes from a gathering around a bountiful table. It's without a doubt one of the most cherished holidays; a personal favorite of mine. There's something magical about clinking glasses of fine wine, savoring creamy mashed potatoes, indulging in the richness of creamed corn, and diving fork-first into the comforting embrace of a green bean casserole.

Yet, while this holiday is a beautiful reminder of what we have to be thankful for, it shouldn't be the only day we express gratitude. In my mind taking 10 seconds throughout each day to have "grateful moments" puts things into better perspective. Yet, it's so easy to get caught up in the hustle of day-to-day life that we can easily get disconnected from gratitude.

While walking besides a rushing stream in Colorado a decade ago, watching people fly-fishing, a shiny small rock in the stream caught my eye and was soon on it's way back to Atlanta with me. Little did I know, this simple stone would become my daily anchor to gratitude.

I call it my gratitude rock. It's a simple practice: each day, I slip the small rock into the right-side pocket of my pants, and every time my fingers brush against that small rock, I pause. In that moment, I reflect on the multitude of blessings surrounding me. This ritual has become my secret to staying grounded. Without it, I've found it's all too easy to get swept away in the relentless currents of everyday life, forgetting to acknowledge the abundance that exists.

So, here's a gentle nudge from me to you: find your own gratitude touchstone. It doesn't have to be a rock; it could be anything that serves as a physical reminder to pause and appreciate your life's treasures. Whether it's set times for prayer or a wrist band or a unique personal ritual, the important thing is to have a tangible cue that brings you back to a state of thankfulness—every single day.

I can attest to the profound impact this practice has had on my life. It's a way to recalibrate, to step back from the dizzying pace of our routines and truly see the richness that we often take for granted. It's about acknowledging the good, the bad, and everything in between, and finding the silver linings even on the cloudiest of days.

So, as you navigate the hustle and bustle of your life, I encourage you to hold gratitude close. It's not just a practice for Thanksgiving—it's a way of life that can bring a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy. Remember, it's the little things that often mean the most. Take a moment, find your gratitude anchor, and let it guide you to a more mindful and thankful existence.

Wishing you all the best on your journey to daily gratitude. Until next time, farewell.

To your well being,

Jeff Lovejoy