In December 2019, I started a new tradition of the gratitude advent calendar. Each day until Christmas, I wrote down something I was thankful for and hung the small round card on my tree. That process has made me pause and reflect on my blessings more. I noticed that my outlook and mood changed. It impacted me so much that it is now a daily ritual – 3 things I’m grateful for. 365 x 3.
Writing these gratitude notes during this crazy COVID year has made me notice the silver linings in my life. The practice is making me more conscious of God’s blessings and I feel closer to Him.
I light a candle and sip on some chilled sparkling water while reflecting and writing. Some things I am thankful for are:
- Mum’s waffles
- Thunderstorm and book in bed
- Sunrise beach walk with my friend and her cute French bulldog
- Finding the great doctor, I’m currently seeing
- WhatsApp video calls with my cousin in Mauritius and being able to see her baby girl, especially since I can’t travel
- A cool Bible text I hadn’t noticed before
- House church
Practising thanksgiving and gratitude has a positive effect on health, relationships, personality, emotions, and sleep.
Professor Matthew Walker, founder and Director of the Center for Human Sleep Science, was a guest on Skavlan – a Norwegian-Swedish television talk show hosted by Norwegian journalist Fredrik Skavlan. During the discussion, Professor Walker talked about the two different types of insomnia. One, the difficulty falling asleep and two, the difficulty staying asleep. Professor Walker stated that the cause is most often attributed to anxiety. He suggests keeping a worry journal in which you write your concerns, and he advises to finish with three things that are positive, or three things that you are grateful for.
It is interesting that the link between anxiety and thanksgiving can be found in the Bible too. Philippians 4:6 states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
I have changed the way in which I pray. I most often thank God first now and this has changed my relationship with Him.
I struggle with anxiety, so this year I have intentionally focused on God’s blessings and thanking Him for His constant support and love. I am practising noticing the little things and not taking them for granted. I feel happier and more content. My self-esteem has improved immensely.
Practising thanksgiving or gratitude changes our perspective on life. I read a quote on Pinterest that says: “Gratitude helps you fall in love with the life you already have.” Look closely at what you have and don’t compare your life to others.
I encourage you to daily write 3 things you are thankful for. It might seem hard or a little strange at first, but you will see a difference. It is worth it!
WRITER: Jennifer Appadoo