Day 30: A final bow after 30 days of giving thanks!
30 days ago I issued myself a personal challenge to commit to a gratitude blog for the month of November. Knowing I had a daily deadline, I found myself thinking about gratitude throughout my day. Whether I was driving, working out or just working away at my desk, I often would be composing my daily blog entry in my head. I’m delighted to say I never missed a deadline! I wanted the blog to have more meaning than just the superficial things that can bring us happiness. Although I personally am delighted when there is no line at the drive through at the McDonald’s when I go for my daily Diet Coke, I didn’t think these types of blessings in the day really should be the focus of the blog. As I look back at what has been written, the themes that resonate are the people in my life and the joy I get from my work. I feel very lucky to have such a wonderful circle of family and friends around me. They are my support system, my partners in laughter, my mentors and my cheerleaders. And regardless of whether they are family by birth or by choice, they make my heart sing. In a year that has presented many challenges for me, the exercise of writing a gratitude blog has illustrated that I still have a lot to be grateful for. The challenges I have faced might be a permanent memory but they are in deed just a temporary situation and the reason I can find the strength to get through is because of the dynamic people in my life and the joy I find in my work.
Oprah has taught an entire generation that gratitude is the road map to a happy, successful life.
“The single greatest thing you can do to change your life today would be to start being grateful for what you have right now. And the more grateful you are, the more you get.”
~Oprah
I have been surprised by the positive shift that has taken place in my business since I started this gratitude blog. Maybe Oprah is right – the more grateful you are, the more you get! I have had some very promising meetings with new clients and have laid the ground work for some very exciting projects in the new year in the past 30 days. I feel like the energy around me has changed and I am no longer trying to walk up the down escalator.
I knew I was a lucky girl for many reasons when I started this journey 30 days ago but by taking the time to really concentrate on what and who matters, and by pausing to give thanks, I have changed the lens in which I now look at my friendships, my work and my life. I would challenge you to take the time to actually write down why you are grateful for the people, the places and the experiences you cherish. Simply saying it is easy but writing it out makes you really feel the gratitude in a very different way.
On this 30th day, as I put my gratitude blog to rest, I would reserve my last thank you to all those that took time to read my 30 Days of Giving Thanks blog. Consider this my virtual curtsy to you! I have received very positive feedback and reconnected with new and old friends in yet another capacity – another reason to be grateful! Thank you very much for taking the time to share in my journey.
After 30 Days, I am taking a bow!
