3 Thankfuls and a Wish: A Lesson in Being Grateful

Summary

The article discusses the practice of expressing gratitude by listing three things one is thankful for and one wish, a tradition the author learned from their mother and continues to adapt in their adult life.

Abstract

The author reflects on a childhood ritual instilled by their mother, which involves sharing three things one is thankful for and one wish before bedtime. This practice, which the author continued into adulthood, is credited with fostering a sense of gratitude and closeness with their mother. The article suggests that incorporating a similar routine into daily life can shift one's mindset towards appreciation for what one has, rather than focusing on what is lacking. The author has expanded the ritual to list a minimum of six things they are grateful for each day, keeping a separate wish list for goals and desires. The article emphasizes that the items one is thankful for are personal and can range from significant to mundane, illustrating this with a sample list from the author's life. The author also notes the potential benefits of sharing one's gratitude list and wishes with others, as it can lead to deeper connections and possibly the realization of dreams.

Opinions

The author values the tradition of expressing gratitude and wishes as a way to foster a positive mindset and personal growth.
The practice of listing things to be thankful for is seen as a powerful tool for shifting focus from what one lacks to what one has.
The author believes that the act of being thankful is an expression of self-love and resilience, especially during hard times.
The author suggests that the gratitude practice can be a bonding experience when shared with others, potentially leading to mutual understanding and support.
The author has personalized the gratitude practice by increasing the number of things to be thankful for and maintaining a separate list for wishes, indicating a commitment to continuous self-reflection and improvement.

Take five minutes to feel better, daily.

I don’t know when it started, but throughout my childhood, I remember my mother putting me to bed and asking what three things I was thankful for that day, and one wish I had.

The practice continued until I was fourteen and went off to boarding school, but it’s stuck with me ever since.

When I was younger, I’d usually say I was thankful for a fun activity we did that day, my cats, and my parents.

I regret usually wishing for a million dollars or some fancy vacation — I’m sure that made my mother feel great.

My mother would tell me her three thankfuls and wish too, but I can’t say I remember most of them, minus being thankful for my dad & me.

I mainly remember how special that moment was each night. I would feel grateful for what I had, yet still got to have something to wish for. I also felt closer to my mother by getting to hear about her appreciation for her life.

It may also have been a fantastic ploy on my mother’s part to get my Christmas wish list out of me every December.

How to Incorporate the 3 Thankfuls and a Wish Practice into Your Own Life

By realizing every single day what you have to be thankful for, your mindset changes. You feel blessed to have what you have, instead of focusing on what you don’t have.

In my daily practice, I’ve modified it to list as many things as I can think of, each day that I’m thankful/grateful for, with a minimum of six. I have a separate ‘wish list’ for items and life goals.

Your thankful list doesn’t have to be anything stereotypically ‘profound’. It only matters what it means to you. Here’s my list from August 2nd:

I’m thankful to have a partner willing to do nothing all day with me when I’m sick and not make me feel bad about it.

I’m thankful for a family who FaceTimes me into parties. [I live far away.]

I’m thankful I have such a nice apartment.

I’m thankful to find opportunities to make money in unexpected places.

I’m thankful to have alone time to think and work. [freelance life]

I’m thankful for a cute cat who shows me love.

I’m thankful for clean water and cold cream soda.

I’m thankful my boyfriend doesn’t tell me I’m immature or lazy.

I’m thankful my mom is talkative via text.

I’m thankful my body is feeling better.

I work on my list in bed before I go to sleep every night. It takes me five minutes on the notes app on my phone, but you could always do a nice journal entry if you’re not an in-bed phone user.

I don’t share my lists verbally anymore, but it is nice to do so. You can learn a lot about the person you share with, and if you keep the wish aspect, might be able to help make their dreams come true.

Being thankful is an act of love for yourself. You demonstrate, to yourself, your love for what you already have, even if you’re having a hard time.

There is always something to be thankful for.

3 Thankfuls and a Wish: Lessons in Being Grateful

Take five minutes to feel better, daily.

How to Incorporate the 3 Thankfuls and a Wish Practice into Your Own Life

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