About Carly Cooper
A certified Life Coach for Moms and creator of www.balance-the-mother-load.com, Carly Cooper’s blog offers helpful strategies for mothers struggling with guilt, unrealistic expectations and the inability to balance it all – with a generous dose of laughter.
Have an Attitude of Gratitude
balance the mother load canada
(Sep.30.09)
In these chilly, dreary days of fall, it’s easy to get down in the dumps. To focus on all the things that you don’t have or wish were different. I admit that around this time of year my mind starts to wander and my focus starts to wane. Some days, all I want to do is curl up in a ball, eat ice cream and escape into the world of TV. But with an energetic toddler, a husband and a growing business, I know that’s not realistic. So how do I get myself out of the fall funk?
I think about all that I have to be grateful for. When I get into bed each night, I take out my little notebook and start to write. Now before you dismiss the idea thinking it’s not for you, let me clarify. I am not someone who enjoys writing in a journal. Frankly, the idea of writing long entries night after night stresses me out. So I’ve made a compromise with myself. I can write my thoughts in point form and I only have to write 5 things. There are nights, however, where I find myself writing more.
You also don’t have to write the same things every day. At first, I found myself always mentioning my gratitude for my health, my son, my husband, family etc. I felt superstitious if I didn’t write about them, but it got a little boring when I didn’t add anything new. So I’m giving you permission to write all the obvious stuff once and then consider it “out there.” You can still think about all the people you’re grateful for, but try to come up with at least a few new things each day.
If you really look at your life and all that you have, there’s a lot more to be grateful for than you might initially think. Look at where you live, the freedoms you have, the choices and opportunities that are yours for the taking. If you’re not happy with a current situation, you have the ability to make a change. That’s a gift in itself. Spend some time and really allow yourself to think about all the stuff you already have.
Action Challenge
Decide what time of day you are going to write in your gratitude journal. I suggest either first thing in the morning or right before you go to sleep. Whatever time you choose, make sure there are no distractions and commit to doing it every day. You can write as little or as much as you’d like. Whenever you feel like life isn’t going your way, write 5 things anyway. They don’t have to be life-altering experiences. Maybe you’re just grateful for getting through your hard day.
Start by being grateful for what you already have. Focus on the good in your life. By having an attitude of gratitude you’ll only attract more to be grateful for.
Thought that was sweet? You'll enjoy: