Day Twenty-One
I woke up grumpy this morning! Seriously, I really did. It doesn’t happen often but I didn’t sleep well last night, I tossed and turned until the wee hours and woke up to dense fog outside the window. Put all of that together and I found myself feeling discouraged, weepy and like there were giants to slay today. Do you have those days? Please tell me I’m not the only one!
One thing I’ve learned about myself over the years is that when those bad days come, I need to turn every day menial tasks into gratitude. The day may not appear beautiful but when I choose to look for beauty – I always find it. So, this morning it was as simple as being thankful for having a bed to make! Yes – you read that right. I was making my bed (and grumbling a little on the inside) when I stopped and reminded myself that making the bed means I have one to make, which means I have one to sleep in. I have a nice, fluffy, warm bed to curl up and sleep in! (Cue the confetti!)
From there every little task can be turned to gratitude. Thank you, God, for laundry to wash, it means my family is provided for. Thank you, God, for a job to do today, it means you’ve provided an income to meet our needs. Thank you, God, for dishes to wash, it means I had food to feed my family.
It starts simple – with one small shift in my perspective and before I know it my attitude is much better. It doesn’t mean there aren’t giants to slay today – those guys are still there waiting for me. But now, armed with God and gratitude, I think I can take em’.
So, if you woke up on the struggle bus this morning remember to practice gratitude. It doesn’t have to be something big and fancy, just start with the small stuff and let it grow from there. If you can’t think of anything…go make your bed!
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