30 Days of Gratitude Challenge: The end is the beginning

 Today is the last day of November and the last day of our 30 Days of Gratitude challenge. 

Congratulations!!! 

Now is the time the real work begins...

Practicing gratitude is one of those things you do until it becomes second nature and you don't have to work at the practice anymore. Practicing gratitude is like practicing a martial arts move: You practice until it become a reflex that you don't have to think about, you just DO IT.

So, what does that mean for you?  If you're thinking that you have to do every single one of the practice suggestions every single day, relax! You don't. Choosing one or two new things to incorporate into your life for the next few months or year is great.  Even just doing one thing, like taking a "noticing walk" each week where you think about all the things you're grateful for will change your mindset and build your gratitude muscles. The more you use them, the easier they are to use.

Here is a quick reference of all the ways we've discussed to practice gratitude over the last four weeks. Bookmark the 30 Days of Gratitude page so you can refer back any time you feel like you need a pick-me-up, or if you recognize that you're feeling more sad, frustrated, or angry than usual. Gratitude can be practiced any time-- not only around Thanksgiving. 

And now I'm looking at you in the eyes and smiling as I say, thank you for coming, thank you for spending this month with us. I sincerely hope that this challenge has made your life a little happier this month and will continue to do so for a long time to come.

“The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see."
— Mary Davis