Gratitude

I've decided to try and get to my blog at least once a week (ideally everyday but that's not realistic!) to log whatever springs to mind that I'm thankful for. This is something I've decided to encourage in my kids and family this year, so I figured I should do it myself too! It will also serve as a little record for me :)

So my new year family goals include hoping to remember to:

Ask the kids each day at random moments what they're thankful for in that moment.

At least once a week to hopefully manage to, while the family all happen to be together (eg tea time), write down/draw things that each of us feel thankful for that day, and stick these up to help us remember life's blessings amidst any trials.

Ask the kids at bedtime if they can think of 3 good things that happened to them or that they did that day, hoping that this will help them slow down and dwell on positive experiences as well as talking through those less-so.

Keep a box of thank you cards out as an invitation to give thanks to someone when they've done something for us that's gone un-thanked, thus helping the kids express what they feel thankful for (they'll have to dictate to me!)

So today I'm thankful for a houseful of new friends in our new city. For a house that's practically in a park. For a supportive and loving family. For holding a 5lb baby who is in good hands. For sponateous bread and butter pudding-making, inspired by my 5 yr old's 'concoction'. For children that are generally happy to eat healthy food. For the Holy Experience blog that inspired my family gratitude stuff. For Lauren Mallon who introduced me to said blog.. And for Aldi!

Happy new year; here's to choosing to think about "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—anything that is excellent or praiseworthy" (The Bible). 2012: a year of cultivating gratitude whatever comes our way!