While I was in Utah I was able to meet up with Tamra, Eric, and Brian for dinner at Cafe Rio. It was so good to see them and we had a great time talking, laughing, and enjoying each other's company.
Monday, February 23, 2009
My Theme This Year: GRATITUDE
A few months ago my friend, Ali, wrote a post about choosing one word to focus on throughout the year. I have thought a lot about that and it finally hit me last night what I want my one-worded theme to be: Gratitude.
I have chosen this for many reasons:
1) I have a lot to be grateful for.
My list here is really endless, but for the record I am so grateful for my family, both immediate and extended; wonderful friends that may as well be family; personal inspiration, without which I wold not be where I am today -- both physically and spiritually; good health; the gospel of Jesus Christ and my relationship with Him and my Heavenly Father; prayer; the talents I have be given; and on and on....
2) Ingratitude, even in myself, really irritates me.
I have recently realized that when I am in the midst of a personal pity party I am really only focusing on myself: why me? when will this happen to me? why did that happen to me? Me. Me. Me. Selfishness is definitely a form of ingratitude. So, in my effort to learn line upon line I want to eliminate pity parties and replace them with moments of gratitude. Sometimes that is easier said than done. However, I believe it can be done.
3) I think gratitude is an extremely important value to teach children.
Self entitlement is a disease of our culture. I can't understand why people can't be satisfied with what they have. I believe aspiring for something better is a good quality, but not if it causes you to hurt other people or do things or buy things in order to "be popular". I want my children to recognize that having the latest and greatest, regardless of whatever that is, does not make you a great person; it is who you are and what you stand for.
4) It just feels right to focus on gratitude for an entire year.
Life is hard sometimes but it doesn't help to have a bad attitude. I truly believe that when we focus on the positive we show gratitude. Now, I hope I can live that better!!
I have chosen this for many reasons:
1) I have a lot to be grateful for.
My list here is really endless, but for the record I am so grateful for my family, both immediate and extended; wonderful friends that may as well be family; personal inspiration, without which I wold not be where I am today -- both physically and spiritually; good health; the gospel of Jesus Christ and my relationship with Him and my Heavenly Father; prayer; the talents I have be given; and on and on....
2) Ingratitude, even in myself, really irritates me.
I have recently realized that when I am in the midst of a personal pity party I am really only focusing on myself: why me? when will this happen to me? why did that happen to me? Me. Me. Me. Selfishness is definitely a form of ingratitude. So, in my effort to learn line upon line I want to eliminate pity parties and replace them with moments of gratitude. Sometimes that is easier said than done. However, I believe it can be done.
3) I think gratitude is an extremely important value to teach children.
Self entitlement is a disease of our culture. I can't understand why people can't be satisfied with what they have. I believe aspiring for something better is a good quality, but not if it causes you to hurt other people or do things or buy things in order to "be popular". I want my children to recognize that having the latest and greatest, regardless of whatever that is, does not make you a great person; it is who you are and what you stand for.
4) It just feels right to focus on gratitude for an entire year.
Life is hard sometimes but it doesn't help to have a bad attitude. I truly believe that when we focus on the positive we show gratitude. Now, I hope I can live that better!!
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