Gratefulness and the Simple Life

KathrynHannah · **Gratefulness and the Simple Life**

Part of living the simple life for our family has been practicing gratefulness.

I took Oprah's idea years ago and keep a gratitude journal. Every day I write down 3 things I am grateful for in my life. This has probably been the biggest help to me transitioning to the simple life.

The more grateful I was for what I already had, the less of a desire I had to have more, do more, be more.

What are your thoughts on how gratefulness relates to the simple life?

vioburn · 02-13-2007, 09:07 PM

How long have you been keeping this journal? Do you have the same gratitudes written over and over, or have you been able to find new ones all the time? Can you share some?

I've just recently started doing this, and yesterday one of my gratitudes was for pencils, because they have erasers. I haven't had any duplicates yet, but I'm thinking they may be coming soon.

Thanks!!

KathrynHannah · 02-13-2007, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vioburn

How long have you been keeping this journal? Do you have the same gratitudes written over and over, or have you been able to find new ones all the time? Can you share some?

I've just recently started doing this, and yesterday one of my gratitudes was for pencils, because they have erasers. I haven't had any duplicates yet, but I'm thinking they may be coming soon.

Thanks!!

I started in 1998 when I was pregnant with ds. There are lots of repeats ... but I guess those are things I'm extra grateful for. :D

Here are some examples from over the years

Heard the baby's heartbeat today.

He smiled for the first time!

A letter in the mail from Michelle.

The sunshine.

Hot baths.

First snowfall of the season.

Ultrasound said we're having a girl!!!!!

Nice neighbors.

Running water day and night.

Herbal tea.

A great book.

A phone call from Pam.

My children.

A great school.

A fun play date at Nancy's.

A hug from the kids.

vioburn · 02-13-2007, 09:42 PM

Those are great gratitudes. I've got some that are similar.

I think that gratefulness relates to the simple life because if you have simplified, you have more time and a more organized life and home. I think you become more grateful for what you have when you know what you have.

lvr4jbns · 02-13-2007, 09:56 PM

The ladies in my bible study email five things we're thankful for everyday. We range from the weather to our salvation. It's good to recognize your blessings.

Adda15 · 02-14-2007, 07:49 AM

I don't keep a journal but a couple times a week, DH and I end up saying how thankful we are for the life we have, our family, friends, neighbourhood etc. I think once you start forcusing on the simple pleasures of life, you become more grounded, happier and content.

flybygrace · 02-14-2007, 08:48 AM

My thoughts EXACTLY.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adda15

I think once you start focusing on the simple pleasures of life, you become more grounded, happier and content.

Lulu_ann · 02-14-2007, 05:18 PM

I've been keeping a gratitude journal too! I've also kept a prayer journal off and on (I pray everyday, but don't always write it down), and it is amazing to look back at what I was praying about years ago and to see how God just worked things out for me.

Kim · 02-14-2007, 05:24 PM

I totally agree. I don't keep a journal, but when I'm tucking in dd at night, we talk about five things we are grateful for each day. We started when she started coming home from 1st grade saying, "So-and-so on my bus has a cell phone," "This friend has an mp3 player," etc. etc. I think it's SO important for kids to be thankful for what they have (adults too!).