Gratitude Triggers

One way I can fill my life with reminders of all I have to be thankful for.

In November, the BACON AND BEACH DAYS challenge focuses on gratitude. Unfortunately, I didn’t write to the challenge every day. But one good thing about the Bacon and Beach Days Challenge is that Jennifer Burke Grehan says, “No rules!” Whew! So, if I don’t make every prompt, I’m not going to get kicked out of the challenge.

The prompt for November 30th asks:

How can you continue being more thankful?

For me, one good way to make a conscious decision to incorporate more gratitude into my life is to fill by life with gratitude triggers.

What is a Gratitude Trigger?

A gratitude trigger is something that reminds you to feel grateful each time you look at it. It may be a much-loved item from a family member, friend, or co-worker. It might be a small sign that says ‘Grateful’, or ‘Blessed’, or a door mat that proclaims ‘Welcome.’

Place the object somewhere in your house or workspace where you will frequently see it, and it will cause you to reflect on your gratitude.

My favorite items I have displayed are two small signs that I picked up for a few dollars at our local big-box store last year. One reads ‘Blessed’, and the other reads ‘Grateful-Thankful-Blessed.’ I put them on the window ledge in front of my desk that frames my favorite view — looking out into the front yard where I get to watch birds forage from two feeders.

A few weeks ago, with the Fall/Thanksgiving themed items in the store, before the Christmas goodies pushed their way in and pushed them out, I was ecstatic to find two signs that read Blessed and Thankful. I hung those right inside my office door where I will see them every time I leave the room.

I have t-shirts proclaiming Thankful and Blessed. A ball cap with Blessed embroidered on it. Whatever I can find, I fill my space with — visible reminders to me to stop, take a minute, and consider all the blessings that fill my life, making my heart sing with gratitude and thankfulness.

Thank you, Bacon and Beach Days for this November challenge, causing me to stop and think about all I have to be thankful for.