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Practicing Gratitude during a Pandemic
Shannon S. McKee is communicator at heart. She is a writer, editor, and speaker. She writes at www.shannonsmckee.com. She coordinates the Women's Ministry at Redemption Chapel in Stow, Ohio, where she is a regular teacher and mentor. She is passionate about helping women thrive from the inside out. Her other titles include: Grace-dweller. Lover of Rick. Momma to 2. Tea Drinker. Entrepreneur. Putterer. Consumer of Dark Chocolate.
In recent weeks, I've been prompted to return to an old mindfulness practice of making a list of things for which I'm thankful - a gratitude list. With so much bad news swirling around us, practicing gratitude has been a lifeline for me. It is a good practice. Not only does it glorify God but it is GOOD FOR US. The science backs it up. The habit of intentionally cultivating gratitude and recalling it can help you: feel less depressed, stir up positive emotions, sleep better, reduce stress, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems. Doing it consistently actually reprograms your brain and makes it easier to see the gifts as a way of life – not just when you’re in crisis mode but all the time. Turns out, thanksgiving is not just for November!!
If you’re having trouble getting the gratitude muscle moving and you need some help, I can recommend a few resources: Ann Voskamp’s book is a gem. Her website also has a Joy Dare which gives you prompts each month for keeping your gratitude list. I have also heard wonderful things about Jennie Allen’s new book, Get Out of Your Head. (I haven’t read it myself yet so I’m giving it a tentative endorsement based on other reviewers I trust.)
Also, here are some potential journaling prompts that might help get you thinking:
* Something that made you smile today
* A Simple pleasure
* Something funny that made you laugh
* Your favorite thing when you wake up in the morning
* Something you are good at doing
* An accomplishment you’re proud of
* What did you enjoy the most today?
* A favorite place you like to visit
* An act of kindness someone showed you
* A gift that is particularly meaningful
* A book you are grateful for reading
* What weather are you grateful for today?
For a more complete list, visit my recent blog post at: http://www.shannonsmckee.com