Earlier this year, I worked with online stationery retailer Tiny Prints to start an online movement encouraging people to express gratitude for even the littlest things that keep us smiling. The idea was to recognize how everyday experiences can be profound enough to provide a renewed perspective and hope for a happier tomorrow. We called this online movement the Gratitude Challenge and simply asked people to “take note, give thanks.”
The Voce team and I helped identify 14 bloggers who, along with Tiny Prints bloggers, would kick-off the online movement and encourage people everywhere to stop, take a moment, and take note of the brighter side of life. I worked with amazing women and men across the blogosphere who opened my eyes to a million things for which to be thankful. One person was thankful for surviving a car accident, while another simply appreciated the smell of a freshly baked pie. I highly recommend you watch the video above to see and experience the power of gratitude.
Working on this project was fun and uplifting; I was inspired and happy to be part of it. Ironically (and rather pathetically), I was so wrapped up in work and life that I did not actually take the Challenge. I felt I was just too busy to take the time for personal reflection and thanks.
Recently, I found myself “down in the dumps” and overwhelmed by my world. I had clients to please, dishes to clean, laundry to wash, birthday parties to plan. I missed my workouts, my books, my inner peace. And one day, out of the blue, my five-year-old daughter walked up to me, wrapped her arms around my neck and whispered, “I love you, Mommy.” I literally felt my heart warm and my concerns melt. With tears in my eyes, I suddenly realized that I was so focused on the things that burdened my mind, I was forgetting the people who uplift my soul.
At that moment, I decided that laundry can wait, dishes can sit overnight, and I am going to take time to reflect on my personal gratitude. Starting today, I am taking the Gratitude Challenge. And I couldn’t be happier. I have downloaded and signed the contract. Step One is to express why you are taking the challenge… and you just read what’s on my mind. If you want to take note and give thanks, go to www.gratitudechallenge.com to download the contract and join the online movement. As I have learned, it’s never too late.
– LTV Mom
Just trying to squeeze in some television between mothering, working and crashing.
