Welcome back to my gratitude challenge. It’s that time of the month again where I issue a gratitude challenge for myself and hopefully a few others of you to complete too. So far the challenges have included writing 100 things that you’re grateful for, going 24 hours without complaining and four weeks of photos of things you are grateful for in your life, promoting self love, self care, meditation and how to focus on 3 things when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re new to the challenge, but still want to join in there’s still time, please come and join in and embrace the gratitude! To take part, just join in it’s a simple as that. You can start from the beginning if you would like or start from this month. If you want to share with me how it’s going I have a hashtag to use on social media #LovelyGratitude2019.
July’s Gratitude Challenge
July’s gratitude challenge was all about the pause button. When things are out of control, frustrating or overwhelming to focus on 3 things:
- Remember nothing last forever
- Look at what you are grateful for in the situation you are in
- Give back the gratitude – change the story to find a way to give back the gratitude and find the good in a situation
Please do go back and read the full details, if you haven’t already.
How did I do? I have to say it’s easier said than to do it. How easy it is to get lost in the moment to focus on everything you are trying to do and achieve. I found this on more than one occasion, especially when trying to juggle a work deadline and stop my children from squabbling (what is it with the squabbling?). I didn’t always manage it, but I am trying. The one point that I found really helpful was giving back the gratitude, trying to break away from the moment, by making someone a drink, giving a child a hug, the giving a hug to my children especially, it definitely helps. Honestly.
August’s Gratitude Challenge
I think August can be a tough month is you are a parent, which I am assuming a lot, if not most of my blog readers are. The juggle of parenting and work and having the children home for such a long period of time when you’re not used to it.
So, because of this I am going to aim to make my challenge for this pretty simple and this simple thing is to say thank you. I am sure that throughout this month, someone will do something to help you. Wherever it is look after your children, look after your pet or garden when you are on holiday, invite you around for a cup of tea. Try saying thank you a little bit differently, not just the actual words, but actually giving something back to them.
This could be inviting them out for a coffee when the children are back to school, making them a card, sending them a postcard to let you know you are thinking of them, making them a cake, mowing their lawn, anything you deem is appropriate, but giving back in a meaningful and thoughtful way. For example last year, some of my neighbours looked after our cat when we were away and because both my husband and I had been ill we came home they had mowed our lawn and tidied our garden, I was so touched. In return I baked them homemade fudge.
As always, I would love to hear how you are getting on. Also please do check my Instagram stories as I do keep you updated as to how I’m doing on there. Please do let me know on my Facebook page, or Twitter or Instagram, whichever works for you.
The next challenge goes live on the 2nd September, hopefully see you there!