G is for GRATITUDE

G is for GRATITUDE

Today I am grateful for:

Less rush hour traffic today due to the Holiday

A sunny day at our most favorite beach

A great book to read on a long drive*

Much has been written for adults regarding the positive impact of frequently taking time for gratitude.  Reflecting on all of the blessings in one’s life, both large and small, can improve mood and restore a positive outlook.  Studies have shown that people who keep “gratitude journals” where they frequently record notes detailing the positive things in their lives (or even the negative ones, if they’ve improved perspective, taught a lesson, or were a necessary part of a personal journey) are often more optimistic than their peers who aren’t practicing “an attitude of gratitude”.

I’ve found that gratitude is particularly beneficial in helping children maintain their perspectives regarding how blessed they truly are.  It also helps them to focus on what they DO have that’s great, instead of what they don’t have.  Today’s media reflects such a skewed image of the typical family’s lifestyle- it isn’t surprising that average kids see these images and start to feel like they’re “missing out” a bit. This can be especially true for children who are part of families living with very limited financial means.  {I’ll address the media more when we get to “M”- it’s kind of a “soapbox” issue for me ;-) } 

I love the positive impact that keeping a gratitude journal has had on my own attitude.  I try to record 3 things a day for which I’m grateful; however I usually average 4 or 5.  I challenge myself by making the “big ones” (health, a home, a job, a great family) “givens”; in other words, I don’t record those.  Instead, I look for the “little things” that were great about that day in particular. Here are a few examples:

• ·         Waking up with a jolt, ready to hit the ground running for the day, and then remembering it is       Sunday and I can sleep in
• ·         A snuggle with my son when he first wakes up and is still groggy
• ·         Any day my class has shown me they loved a lesson with their huge grins, and engagement in the activity
• ·         Having exact change for my coffee
• ·         Finding money in a coat pocket
• ·         A “good hair day”
• ·         Elastic waist pants after the holidays
• ·         Getting a great parking spot
• ·         Having my daughter come home from school happy and chatty
• ·         Wearing a favorite comfy outfit

So there are many things that happen every day that don’t cost a thing, but that make us happy in small ways.  Collectively, they’re able to have an enormous positive impact on our outlooks.   This same principal works wonders with kids!

I’ve tried utilizing gratitude journals with my own children and my students at school.  The tricky part is that things both at school and at home can be hugely busy and often unpredictably so. This means that my efforts in this area have been inconsistent.  I have noticed that when I consistently provide time for children to reflect on their lives and write about that for which they’re grateful, that they become more attuned to the positive small things that happen in their lives on a daily basis, and as they begin to recognize them, their moods and outlooks quickly improve!

Gratitude journals don’t need to be fancy.  Since I purchase them for an entire classroom of students, they’re usually the spiral notebooks that go on sale during back-to-school time for 25 cents!  With my own children at home, I’ve used the same; however, a cool journal that a child selects for himself can be very motivating. 

The entry doesn’t need to be fancy either. Just include the date and a quick list, like I’ve done above.  It shouldn’t turn into a huge chore for your child- that wrecks the whole point!  If your child isn’t old enough to write or has fine motor difficulty, you can always offer to take dictation! ;-)

Another option is to buy an inexpensive calendar or date book.  Your child can record his/her gratitude in there, or you might even choose to keep one gratitude journal for the entire family.  At dinner each night, go around the table and have each person share something for which they’re grateful that day (remember, try and keep the focus on the small stuff that collectively makes each person happy).  You can take turns being the “recorder” and you’ll be creating a marvelous family keepsake in addition to building great attitudes and outlooks!   Add special gel pens or stickers to the mix, and you’ll be really be creating an heirloom!

Nurturing a positive outlook in your child is a priceless gift that they’ll carry with them always and will have an enormous impact on their worldview as they grow.  I encourage you to give it a try with your family!

*The book for which I’m grateful today? 

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption [Hardcover]

Laura Hillenbrand

FANTASTIC read- I can hardly put it down!