As we see 2016 on the horizon and leave Thanksgiving in 2015, I can’t help but to think about all the things I have to be thankful for. Family, friends, health, and a great career, to name a few.
But it’s the little things, the day to day stuff that we seem to forget. My daughter who’s been struggling with math, scores an A on a test. Spending summer days at Lake Lanier. Going to Six Flags and not having to wait in line to ride the roller coasters. The crazy laughs shared with friends over the silliest things, (i.e, dropping your car keys in a tree grate and spending half the night walking around Downtown Atlanta retracing your steps. Hysterical.) Going jeans shopping and finding the perfect pair in ten minutes. Priorities, people.
Here are a few things I’m doing with my family this year (or have in the past) to keep the gratefulness flowing.
- Jar O’ Good Things
We made this jar on New Year’s Day 2014 and kept it on the kitchen counter with paper and pen the remainder of the year. When something that made us happy happened, we jotted it down and and put it in the jar. 365 days later in NYE, we pulled out all the notes and read them to each other. And yes, all of the above mentions were in the jar.
Get creative here.
2. The Thankful Banner
We made this banner for our mantle at Camden Stockbridge and invited residents to fill out their leaves with things they are thankful for. Our residents loved it and we are looking forward to doing something similar for New Year’s.
3. Happy Smiling Faces
I probably have 1739 pictures on my phone that I’ve snapped of the kids, family, events, etc. I probably have 5 of them framed, from like 2005. My personal project for the year is to get those pics printed and make some collages. Bad day at work? school? pre-k? Look on the wall and remember that awesome time we spent the day at Indian Springs. Happy, smiling faces.
Be inspired here.
My project in process…
What I’m hoping for after…
lovechicliving.co.uk
4. Live In the Moment
Live, talk, eat, gather, be involved and breathe. Enjoy your alone time and cherish your time with your families. We have a tradition at our family dinners that everyone has to name at least one good thing that happened during the day. It reminds everyone to just slow down, focus on the good and be thankful for all we have around us. Thankful Always.
modernfamilywikia.com
*Not an actual family photo, but how I have cast my family in my head.
