Sunday, February 2, 2014

Resolutions vs. Gratitude Jar aka 99th post!!!!



      Photo of the Month:  
      Gratitude Jar 2014
Quote of the Month:

Yesterday ended last night.  
Every day is 
a new beginning.  
Learn the skill of forgetting 
and move on.

- Dr. Norman Vincent Peale


It is February 2nd as I am writing this. How many of you made New Year's resolutions?  Are they still in place?  I stopped making New Year's resolutions several years ago... and simply implement things along the way, as needed, no matter the day.  If you have abandoned yours, follow the advice in the quote above and move on!

I'd like to give all of us something to feel good about next New Year's Day!   Like anything in life, it is a choice of what to focus on or put our attention on that makes all the difference. Instead of feeling badly about our weight, our finances, our job, our work out schedule, eating habits or any other potential resolution topics - at the end of the year, let's focus on all of the good things that happened during 2014.

I wish I could take credit for this idea, but it is not mine.  See the photo above .... starting on the first of the year, or whenever you read this, write good things that happen to you on little pieces of paper.  Above, they suggest surprise gifts, accomplished goals, good memories or the appreciating the beauty of nature.  Then, at the end of the year, maybe on New Year's Eve, read and re-visit all of the wonderful things that happened in 2014. (Yes, the photo is from last year!)  

It doesn't have to be a jar and doesn't have to be fancy.  It could be box or file folder. For me, I need to see it to remember to do it, but if that isn't you, a file on your computer would work too!  I am putting mine in a prominent place where I will see it every day, near my grocery list!

Here are some of my examples....
Jan. 1 - I woke up on New Year's Day at one of my best friend's home with this beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean! 

Jan. 3 - A good friend took the boys and I out to dinner.  I tried sea bass for the first time and now have a new favorite! 

Jan. 31 - Treated to lunch by my aunt! 

Feb. 2 - My neighbor brought me a unexpected, tasty homemade meal! 

Please post a few of your own examples in the comments

And if you want to make resolutions... that is fine too!  Just remember you get to choose what to focus attention on.  And if you don't end up keeping them, follow Dr. Norman Vincent Peale's advice above and learn the skill of forgetting! : )

Keep it Simple!
Penelope

PS - Yes!  It really is my 99th post! : )