I read a book last year called One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp that is centered around Christianity, but is applicable to everyone, religious or not. In the beginning of the book, the author reflects on her own childhood and subsequently how her life experience has taught her that there are sometimes horrible things that happen in life that are out of our control that become defining parts of our lives. Yes, the book is a bit intense, but it speaks on reality and has taught me the very valuable practice of true Thanksgiving.

The author then proceeds to share how through biblical study she realizes that the blessing always follows the act of thanksgiving. She decides to challenge herself to write a list of 1000 things that she notices that she is thankful for. Many of these things are very small like the iridescent glow of a bubble the sunlight lands on while she’s doing the dishes, and others are larger like her relationships with people.

After reading the book, I began to really take note of my daily environments and actively try to search for things that I am thankful for – like my daughter’s giggle when she blows a wooden train whistle, the feeling of holding both of my girls in my arms and watching Inside Out, the way my husband takes a moment to always kiss all three of us before leaving to work, a beautiful view I saw on my run, etc. I now keep a list of these things in my phone and when I am feeling down or have an off day, I take a look and realize how much I have.

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This practice has really helped me as a parent because I feel like I am able to savor these fleeting moments with my girls and really remember them. Looking back at my handwritten list from last year has left me with so many wonderful memories that I probably would have never remembered otherwise. Saving the list on my phone this year has helped me while I am on the go and notice something worth noting. Truthfully, it has helped me keep positive through this large move we have made this year, through so much change and challenge.

The simple act of noticing and then giving thanks for the things in our lives both big and small and even hard as well as joyous, allows me to keep a more thankful frame of mind throughout the day, and I think it has a positive impact on my demeanor and ability to endure the sometimes draining aspects of parenting two young children. I was even thinking it might be fun to have a family list going as part of our home decor, a board we can add to whenever we feel like it. I really want to encourage thanksgiving in our kids so that they make this practice a part of their lives, noticing all the little things in life that go unnoticed but that are so very amazing.

What are you thankful for today?