Making Your Gratitude Journal Work

Gratitude Journal Rules

I don't think there are any rules. . . I think they are more like guidelines. LOL

Never under estimate the power of your gratitude journal. It is one of the best tools to give you an attitude for gratitude. And subsequently bring you sustainable happiness. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

My Dollar Store Gratitude Journal

1. Write it down. 

There's something about writing down a gratitude list in my journal that makes it real.  I can go through my list in my mind or out loud to myself but it just isn't the same. Seeing it, and writing it helps so much. 

2. Feel it.

Close your eyes and repeat it then say thank you, thank you, thank you and really feel it.

3. Daily. 

The journal has to be daily. We want it to become a part of our daily routine. You don't have to think about it or try to remember to make your gratitude list. Grabbing your journal and your pen will become second nature and eventually forgetting to write will leave you feeling off, like forgetting to brush your teeth.

4. Make it Ten. 

I believe your list should be ten. I have seen journals with less items but for me, five is easy. After five, I need to think a little harder, dig a little deeper and sometimes an item that I am grateful for will just hit me. Why had I not thought of that one before?

5. Keep it Close. 

I like to keep my journal with me so I can write whenever the inspiration hits. Plus jotting down items through out the day helps me stay grateful. And happy. Because that's what my journal does for me. 

6. Review it. 

While I have my journal open, I like to reread some of the previous items and I get to feel grateful all over again. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Do you have a rule you would like to add? I think I am forgetting something. Oh, I like laughing at myself.

Gratitude Journal

This is how my journal looks today.

I Am Grateful:

1. To Nick for driving me to work and picking me up each work day without complaint. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
2. For the free yummy lunch at work because it is so nice when we all get together. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
3. For such a great team at work because it is the people not the job that makes work memorable.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
4. To Nicole for making another delicious dinner for the family.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
5. To Nicole for keeping the girls occupied while I checked my email.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
6. For Faith and Sidney because they are the sunshine in my day.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
7. For the beautiful weather because I didn't have to turn my furnace on.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
8. A working vehicle because it comes in handy when I need to get someplace.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
9. For the internet because I enjoy relaxing and reading at the end of my day.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
10. For having everything I need because it is comforting.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Gratitude Stone

Since I am at it, I'm going to hold my gratitude stone, contemplate yesterdays gratitude list and decide what I am most grateful for.

I am most grateful for the beautiful day because it was wonderful and weird to be able to open the windows in mid January to let the fresh air in. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Thank you for visiting. Will you remember to write in your Gratitude Journal? 

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Nine Reminders to be Grateful

Happy, Happy, Happy
Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The Gratitude Habit

If an attitude of gratitude is new to you, it may be difficult to remember to say thank you. Until it becomes a habit, I have found it helpful to surround myself with reminders.

1.) Gratitude Stone

My gratitude stone is a wonderful tool. It sits at the bottom of my purse so every time I dig around in there, I catch a glimpse of my stone, I smile and think "thank you".

At the end of the day, I dig out my gratitude stone and roll it between my fingers. I often close my eyes and review the list in my journal to decide which item I am most grateful for. Feeling grateful and happy as I drift off to sleep - sublime. It is a wonderful way to end the day.

2.) 16 Gratitude Practices to Find Happiness

This is a list of practices outlined in Rhonda Byrnes book The Magic. I have a copy of this list in a few conspicuous places and it give it a quick glance when I feel the need to remember some of the other ways to integrate gratitude into my life.

3.) Gratitude Key Chains

Gratitude Key Chain

Recently, I made this key chain that says HAPPY. You know I can't remember what made me think about making it. Weird. Anyway, I chose colours that I knew would make me feel happy. To me, happy means gratitude and vise versa so of course this chain is a fantastic reminder to be grateful. 

I feel grateful for my home as I unlock the door with my keys. I am grateful for my car as I unlock my car. I am grateful for my job as I unlock the office door. You get the picture. Think about how many times you take out your keys in a day. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I made a couple of other chains. One says THANK YOU in square white beads with lettering in pink and green. Another one says SMILE in square white beads with multi-colour lettering. I think they turned out nice. I want to make one more, then I can give each of my daughters a keychain. Who wouldn't want a pretty dangling key accessory telling them to be happy? 

4.) Gratitude Book Marks

My wonderful daughter, Nicole loves to read. This is my gift to her and all you avid readers out there. Book marks. But also a reminder to be grateful and happy every time you open your book.

5.) Magic Check

I have my magic cheque posted on my gratitude board which hangs on the wall across from my computer desk. Every time I look up to contemplate my next sentence I can see it and say to myself thank you for the money. Money comes easily and frequently.

6.) Post Notes

I haven't used these as reminders yet but I have thought about it. If I am going through an especially difficult time I could use the extra reminders. I think something simple like Smile written on a sticky note in your favourite colour would suffice. I could put it on the mirror for an extra boost to start off the day. My family might even appreciate it. Smiles are contagious don't you know. Pass it on.

7.) Gratitude Buttons

I guess it would depend on your age, but gratitude buttons would look nice pinned to your knapsack, a favorite t-shirt, your shoes, or jacket.

8.) Printables

If you haven't checked out my printables page you should take a look. Maybe you will find something you'd like to hang in your home. You can check it out now then come back here to finish reading this post. It's okay. I wait.

I hope you found something to your liking. I have printables scattered throughout my home. Stick one on the refrigerator, frame one and put it your washroom or pin it up on your gratitude board. You could print a small version and place use it for a book mark either in the novel you are reading or in your gratitude journal.

You might not even like my printables. You may find an image with an inspirational quote on Pinterest that you prefer. That's fine too. Although I would be ecstatic if you loved my printables and pinned them. Yahoo.

I will be adding more printables over time so come back occasionally to see if one of those spark some interest.

9.) Gratitude Journals

The last reminder I am going to talk about today are gratitude journals. There are all kinds of ideas on Pinterest to inspire you when choosing your journal. Make it fancy or keep it plain. You could pick up a dollar store notebook and carry it around with you to write your list as you go through your day.

If you would like to see some journals here are some links to see what others are doing:

http://www.iloveitallwithmonikawright.com/2012/02/gratitude-journal-how-im-using-it.html

http://theno-noroom.blogspot.ca/2012/01/mini-altered-journals.html

http://www.meloveletters.com/mirror-mirror/grace-of-gratitude/

http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Oprahs-Gratitude-Journal-Oprah-on-Gratitude


Well I hope you found this post helpful or least interesting. Making gratitude a habit may be a challenge but with a few reminders strategically placed can assist you on your path to inner peace and happiness.

Like what you see here? Consider becoming a follower or subscribe via email! Have a fantastic day!

It Really Works Like Magic

Inspirational Quotes

"If you take any activity, any art, any discipline, any skill - take it and push it as far as it will go, push it beyond where it has ever been before, push it to  to the wildest edges of edges, then you force it into the realm of magic."

Tom Robbins (B. 1936),

Writer

Rhonda says, "You should love your job, whatever it is, and be excited about going to work, and you shouldn't settle for anything less. If you don't feel that way about your current job, or if it's not your dream job, the way to receive your dream job is by first being grateful for the job you have." Page 71, The Magic.

Gratitude for Work

Today's assignment is to write down as many things you have to be grateful for today at work. The longer the list is , the more magic can be brought to your money, work success, opportunities, enjoyment and fulfillment. Page 72, The Magic.

The Challenge

Pretty easy challenge today. I guess I should share my list:

1. I am grateful for my job. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
2. I am grateful for my rate. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
3. I am grateful for my supervisor because he takes the time to listen to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
4. I am grateful for my supervisor because he can say thank you and show his appreciation for a job well done. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
5. I am grateful for the freedom to take my breaks when I need to. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
6. I am grateful for the flexibility allowed me for my start and stop times. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
7. I am grateful for the opportunity for continuous learning that my job offers. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
8. I am grateful for the variety my job offers. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
9. I am grateful for the tools provided to perform my job properly. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
10. I am grateful for my private office. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
11. I am grateful for my comfortable chair because I spend most of my day in it. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
12. I am grateful for the internet because I can easily find answers when I need them. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
13. I am grateful for my co-workers because they make the day go faster. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
14. I am grateful for my co-workers because we help each other out. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
15. I am grateful for the semi-private washroom in our office area. LOL Thank you, thank you, thank you.
16. I am grateful for the full size refrigerator because we all put food in there to share. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
17. I am grateful for the microwave and stove because it provides the means to cook a wide variety of food and we are not limited to sandwiches. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
18. I am grateful to my coworkers who provide the occasional lunch ordered in for the group. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
19. I am grateful to the company for the Christmas Party. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
20. I am grateful to the company for the milestone program. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
21. I am grateful that I am able to help people in some small way. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Gratitude Stone

I was most grateful for the peace and quite today because it has been a long time since I have been able to enjoy it. Thank you, thank you, thank you.. 

Gratitude Journal

I Am Grateful:

1. For that I was able to rest while I had the stomach flu. My Mom took Faith with her for a few hours. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
2. For my job.Thank you, thank you, thank you.
3. For my Mom because she gave me a lift into work today and picked me up. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
4. For the food in our refrigerator and cupboards because I was able to easily get Faith breakfast and make her lunch. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
5. For my comfy cozy bed that I melted into when I felt sick. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
6. For my little Honey Bunny, Faith. I got so many hugs and kisses from her today. She must have told me about a dozen times today that she loves me "this much" and she stretched out her arms. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
7. For Gary who kept checking in on me and asking if I needed anything. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
8. For the clothes I own. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
9. For getting skinnier everyday because I will soon be at my ideal weight. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
10. For Nicole who came to keep me company and talk in my room while I was feeling ill. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Conclusion

This was an easy assignment. I love my job. Once I get there, I dive right in to the pile waiting for my attention.

I would like to read your grateful list.

Consider following me or posting a comment.

Or Does It?

Well, I hope you were thinking about your answers to the gratitude questions. I am ready to explain my answers.

Lets begin.

1. The cure for broken or difficult relationships? I agree. It is impossible to be angry with someone once you have listed off all the reasons you can think of to be grateful to that person. Day three was Magical Relationships. If you haven't completed this practice, I suggest you put it on your agenda for tomorrow. You will be happy that you did.
2. The cure for lack of health? I don't know about this one. I'll have to reevaluate it a later time not because I don't think it works but because there was no real opportunity to test it out.
3. The cure for lack of money? Again, I don't know if gratitude is the cure for this one but I do have to admit that gratitude has opened my eyes to see the abundance of money in my life.
•  I will give you a couple of examples from yesterday. I was out looking for a new table and chair set. I went back to Martins Furniture. The salesman gave me a five percent discount for being a repeat customer. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Money comes easily and frequently. 
• We also have a one in three chance of winning our purchase for free. Isn't that incredible. We will find out tomorrow. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Money comes easily and frequently.  
• And lastly, we were driving home when we spotted something in the middle of the road. Michael slowed down, opened his door and picked it up. I know this is silly but, it was a new roll of duct tape. I don't know what its value is but again, thank you, thank you, thank you. Money comes easily and frequently.
4. Gratitude eliminates fear? Off the top of my head I have to say that I can't think of an example to prove this theory. Perhaps I just haven't had      the right circumstances.
5. Gratitude eliminates worry? I will have to dig deeper for the answer to this one.
6. Gratitude eliminates grief? The answer isn't jumping out at me. Get back to me later. Oh silly me! This question is pretty much the same as number seven.
7. Gratitude eliminates depression? I definitely agree. It is absolutely impossible to be depressed when you are grateful for all the people, events and things in your life.
8. Gratitude brings solutions to problems? I have to think more on this one. I guess Rhonda is referring to Day 7, The Magical Way Out of Negativity. It is on this day that we were to choose a problem or negative situation which we would like resolved and to list ten things we are grateful about it. Rhonda's reasoning is this; ''The answer to any negative situation you want to resolve is to focus concentrated gratitude on it until you feel better inside; then you will see the magic work its wonder in the outside world."
9. Gratitude brings the opportunities and wherewithal to realize your dreams? I don't have an opinion on this one yet.
10. Gratitude brings happiness? I agree one hundred percent. This is pretty much the same question as number seven and so is my answer.
11. Gratitude brings clarity? I have to think more about this one.
12. Gratitude brings patience? Yes it does. 
13. Gratitude brings kindness? Yes to this one too. Day 10, Magic  Dust Everyone teaches us to be grateful to everyone we encounter. As Philo of Alexandria is quoted to say, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
14. Gratitude brings compassion? Three times a charm. That is a yes. I'll bet you thought I skipped question number 12. Well I guess I did but I am addressing it here and now. I think patience, kindness, compassion and understanding all go together and are learned through Day 10's practice.
15. Gratitude brings understanding? Yes!
16. Gratitude brings peace of mind? And YES again! You will fee an overwhelming sense of peace of mind when you practice gratitude. When you truly feel gratitude deeply peace of mind will settle down upon you like a warm blanket on a cold night. I didn't know how else to explain it. I don't ever recall feeling peace of mind like I have since I started practicing gratitude.

On that note, I want more. And I sincerely hope that you do too.

How would you describe peace of mind? Please share in the comments section provided. Thanks

The Magic Never Ends

Day 30?

If we are counting, this would be day thirty. This blog was originally suppose to be only 28 days but it appears there is more to share than previously anticipated. Good or bad, you can decide. I choose good.

So let's continue.

I would like to share a quote that Rhonda has included in this chapter.

"I started out giving thanks for small things, and the moe thankful I became, the more my bounty increased. That's because what you focus on expands, and when you foccus on the goodness in your life, you create more of it. Opportunities, relationships, even money flowed my way when I learned to be grateful no matter what happened in my life."

Oprah Winfrey (B.  1954)

Media Personality and Business Woman

And this is what Rhonda Byrne has to say about gratitude;

"Gratitude is the cure for broken or difficult relationships, for lack of health or money, and for unhappiness. Gratitude eliminates fear, worry, grief, and depression, and brings happiness, clarity, patience, kindness, compassion , understanding and peace of mind. Gratitude brings solutions to problems and the opportunities and wherewithal to realize your dreams." Page 252 of The Magic.

Wow, she has a lot to say in that paragraph and for the most part, I agree. 

Let me explain.

1. The cure for broken or difficult relationships? I agree. 
2. The cure for lack of health? I don't know about this one. I'll have to reevaluate it a later time not because I don't think it works but because there was no real opportunity to test it out.
3. The cure for lack of money? Again, I don't know if gratitude is the cure for this one. 
4. Gratitude eliminates fear? Off the top of my head I have to say that I can't think of an example to prove this theory. Perhaps I just haven't had the right circumstances.
5. Gratitude eliminates worry? I will have to dig deeper for the answer to this one.
6. Gratitude eliminates grief? The answer isn't jumping out at me. Get back to me later.
7. Gratitude eliminates depression? I definitely agree.
8. Gratitude brings solutions to problems? I have to think more on this one.
9. Gratitude brings the opportunities and wherewithal to realize your dreams? I don't have an opinion on this one yet.
10. Gratitude brings happiness? I agree one hundred percent.
11. Gratitude brings clarity? I have to think more about this one.
12. Gratitude brings patience? Yes it does.
13. Gratitude brings kindness? Yes to this one too.
14. Gratitude brings compassion? Three times a charm. That is a yes.
15. Gratitude brings understanding? Yes!
16. Gratitude brings peace of mind? And YES again!

I will give you the reasons behind each of my answers on my next post.

What do think about Rhonda's comments on gratitude? Wrong!. Just kidding. There are no wrong answers. Just different opinions.

And I would very much like you to share your opinions. 

Your Magical Future

The 28 Day Journey has come to end and it leaves me feeling sad. What does my magical future hold? What will be my next steps?

I would like to share a quote that Rhonda Byrne has in this chapter.

"To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven."

Johannes A. Gaertner (1912-1996)

Professor, Theologian, Poet

Rhonda's advice is to move forward from here is to "maintain the foundation of gratitude you've built, and gradually keep building on it through increasing your depth of feeling. The more you practice gratitude, the deeper you will be able to feel it, and the more deeply you feel it, the less time you will need to give to it."

She also has some suggestions for practicing The Magic. 

Plus she advises us to make the Magic Rock a part of your daily live. We can carry it in our pockets as a constant reminder and put it on the nightstand to remind us to be grateful at the end and beginning of each day. 

She also suggests practicing Magic Dust on a daily basis. We "can sprinkle Magic Dust on everyone and everything!"

I am grateful:

1. For the perfect day. Everything went smoothly and happily. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
2. For the food I ate today. It is wonderful to be able to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into my meals and snacks.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
3. For the abundance of energy I had today because it meant I was able to get a far amount of cleaning done today.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.
4. For my car because it got me to the grocery store safely and conveniently.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.
5.  For the money I have received, the money I am receiving and the money I will receive. I am grateful for the groceries I was able to purchase today.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.
6. For my health. I am healthy  and it feels great.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
7. For the health and happiness of my loved ones. It is so wonderful to see everyone so lively and smiling.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.
8. For my laptop. I love it so much. I love typing on it.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.
9. For the electricity that lights our home and runs our appliances.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.
10. For the clothes we own that are in such good condition, clean, and neat because it contributes to our mental and emotional well being.   Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Gratitude Stone

I am most grateful for the scratched record in my head being thrown out. You know the one that keeps singing out to me, "I hate my life." It has been replaced with, "It is a great day to be alive." Thank you, thank you, thank you.

To be honest, I don't think the record has been trashed, just taken off the player. The "I hate my life" song came on a few days ago but I quickly replaced it with the "gratitude song." Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Conclusion

I have one chapter left in Rhonda Byrne's book titled The Magic.

I welcome all comments. Have you finished your 28 days yet?

Day 28, Remember the Magic

"That's the thing with magic. You've got to know it's still here, all around us, or it just stays invisible for you."

Charles De Lint (B. 1951),

Writer and Celtic Folk Musician

Rhonda says, "There is no set number of blessings to find from yesterday, because every day is different. But I can assure you that every single day of your life is full of blessings, and when you have opened your eyes to see the truth of this, you will have opened your heart to the magic of life, and your life will be abundant and magnificent." Page 237, The Magic.

The Assignment

Today's assignment is to ask yourself: What are the good things that happened yesterday? Remember as many blessing as you can think from yesterday and write them down.

Last Nights Gratitude Stone

I was most grateful for the awesome sleep I had  last night. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I Am Grateful: (Day 28)

1. That I was able to get an appointment so quickly with the Optometrist. Being diabetic, I am suppose to have my eyes checked annually but it has been more than two years since my last check-up. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
2. For my healthy eyes so that I can see all the wonders of the world and the faces of my loved ones. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
3. That Faith's first day of school went well. She really enjoyed herself. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
4. Christina got up with Faith this morning, dressed her, did her hair, and walked her to school. on time. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
5. That I was able to see my Mom today. It has been four whole days since she last came here to visit. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
6. That Faith went to sleep easily. She was over tired from the long day at school. She was easily upset and those kind of nights can be terrible. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
7. For the beautiful day because the girls were able to go for a swim after school. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
8. For the rain. All the plants in the garden were droopy and extremely thirsty.Thank you, thank you, thank you.
9. For our garden, the girls were so excited to see the large number of gourds growing in the yard.Thank you, thank you, thank you.
10. For my health. I just realized that I have been headache free for a long time. I can't recall right now when the last one was. Nicole and I were just talking about this the other day. We are so use to headaches that we don't even realize when we have one. We will be feeling a little grumpy then figure out it is due to an extremely bad headache.Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The First Day of School.

The Challenge

I am grateful for these good things that happened yesterday:

1. That our furniture was delivered yesterday.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
2. That Nick moved the old furniture out to the garage. We were well overdue for new furniture. The sofa was about fifteen years old. The cushions were flimsy. The cushion covers were ripped. One side of the couch was being held up by my red tool box.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
3. That we were able to fit the new furniture into the space in a pleasing arrangement.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.
4. That Gary didn't freak out because I wanted to keep the two wing backed chairs from the old set.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Conclusion

My problem is I was having trouble remembering what happened yesterday. It is a blur. I am sure there was so much more to be grateful for but I just can't think of it right now.

And even though the twenty-eight days are over now. There are two last chapters to the book called Your Magical Future and The Magic Never Ends so I will have at least two more blogs. 

I hope your memory is much better than mine. How did you do with today's practice? I would love to hear all about it. Share with me!

Day 27 - The Magic Mirror

"The appearance of things changes according to the emotions, and thus we see magic and beauty in them, while the magic and beauty are really in ourselves."

Kahlil Bibran (1883-1931),

Poet and Artist

Rhonda says, "Negative feelings about yourself cause the greatest damage to your life, because they are more powerful than any feelings you have about anything or anyone else. Wherever you go and what ever you do you take those negative feelings with you in every moment, and those feelings taint everything you touch, and they act as a magnet, attracting more dissatisfaction, discontentment and disappointment with everything you do." Page 230, The Magic.

The Assignment

Today's assignment is to say thank you every time I look in the mirror and mean it more than ever before.

Gratitude Stone

I was most grateful for having the day all to myself to do what I feel like doing, when I feel like doing it. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Sometimes it feels like I am being pulled in ten million directions all at once. Everyone needs my attention or my help. And although I love my family more than life itself, it can be overwhelming at times. For the most part I thrive on being surrounded by my loved ones but sometimes, Mom, Grandma needs time to herself too.

I Am Grateful: (Day 27)

1. For the  gourds  growing in the garden. At first we thought the plants were pumpkins. Then we thought they may be watermelons. Turns out they are  ornamental  gourds. It makes me laugh. I often throw  food pieces in the gardens to decompose and we get surprises pop up in the summer. Once we all recognized the plants, I remembered throwing some guards into the garden last fall after Halloween. Faith and Sidney were so excited to cut some very unique looking gourds from the garden. 
2. That Faith slept in today and that meant I could sleep in too. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
3. For Nicole making pancakes and bacon for everyone. Bacon is a real treat around here. We had to cut the little ones off so someone else could have some. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
4. For the dishes being done by Nicole. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
5. For the cool refreshing day. I opened all the doors and aired out the house. It was wonderful. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
6.  For the candle Nicole had in her washroom because it came in handy when the power went out this evening. It was kinda freaky. We are used to power outages when there is an electrical storm but there was no storm tonight. It was pitch dark in the house and outside the house. Freaking scary. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
7. For my laptop's light because it lit the area I was sitting in when the power went out this evening. Otherwise I may have had a heart attack. Silly me, a grown woman afraid of the dark. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
8. That Nicole is afraid of the dark too so I had to be courageous and lead the way. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
9. For our indoor plumbing. I drank a lot of pop today and had to use the washroom many times. When my Aunt was alive, we use to visit her on the Six Nations Indian Reserve. She had an outhouse. It was stinky and suffocating in the summer and freezing cold in the winter. Come to think of it, I use to sleep over at my cousins house before they got indoor plumbing and we had to use the slop bucket in the middle of the night. It was so gross. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
10. We did not have a zombie apocalypse or alien invasion when the power was out. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Okay, seriously, I am grateful the time while the lights were out was uneventful.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Hand picked by my sweet granddaughters and mounted on the sill.

The Challenge

This is probably the most difficult assignment for me. I am one of those people who hates looking in the mirror or having my picture taken.

What can I say, I have low self esteem - always have. My earliest memory of self loathing is kindergarten.

A few months ago, I was looking at some photographs from my childhood. My Mom wasn't in very many pictures because she was the one operating the camera. I wished there were more pictures of my Mom.

It dawned on me, there aren't many pictures of me in our photo albums and it wasn't just because I was operating the camera. I often ducked out of sight when the cameras came out or hid behind someone. So many, many years from now, after I have left this world, when my children and their children are looking through our family albums, they will be disappointed that there are so few pictures of me. They won't care if my hair is a mess, what I am wearing, how much I weigh or about the wrinkles and grey hair- not that I have grey hair yet. They will just want to see me.

Having my picture taken? Not so much a problem - I just won't look at the pictures. As for my reflection, I avoid looking at it as much as possible.

To do this assignment I couldn't avoid looking at my reflection. I was brave. I looked into my eyes and tried to imagine what my family and friends think when they look at me.

Thank you.

Conclusion

I am diffidently going to keep practicing this assignment. I think is important for me - everyone to be grateful for being just who they are. We accept our loved ones for who they are so why are we so critical of ourselves?

I do admit as I have grown older, it has become easier to accept myself as I am and to be less critical. I wonder does it work like that for most people? What do you think?

Feel free to share. I'd like to know what is on your mind.