After this stressful, maddening year, it seems like everyone is ready to embrace 2017 with open arms. While it's mostly a coping technique and a psychological reset, there is a certain power in turning over a new year, in having a chance to start fresh--even if nothing has really changed. But how do you leave the old year behind, shed the damage of the previous 12 months, and feel inspired to start over?
It's not an easy task, and some of the smartest advice I've ever received was to turn my focus to gratitude during difficult times. Like most people, 2016 was a rough year for me as well, and I can't wait for it to be over. But I also want to have a renewed sense of optimism, a bit of control over my future, and a feeling of positive change--hence my seven day gratitude challenge. I'm going to be doing this with slight changes once a month, hoping to keep myself in the right frame of mind for a happy, healthy, and heartfelt 2017.
Day One: Do something kind for your parents/caretakers
Sure, we have designated holidays to remember moms, dads, grandparents, and caretakers, but why not show them what they mean to you a little more often? I pre-ordered a flower arrangement for my dad to be delivered to his work on the first day of my gratitude challenge--January 2nd. I don't think I've ever sent my father flowers, and it was so much fun picking out a beautiful, colorful bouquet for him. If flowers aren't your thing, consider sending dinner, or some framed childhood photos, any token that will show your loved ones that they're in your thoughts
Day Two: Let a card do the talking
I picked up some pretty notecards at a post-Christmas clearance sale, inspired by their beautiful glittered designs and blank insides. I halfway figured I'd never get around to using them, but then I realized I had the perfect opportunity in my gratitude challenge. I picked five of my closest friends--my sister, my former college roommate, my best friend since high school, a former co-worker turned companion, and a former boss who is like a mentor to me. I sat down and wrote them each a hand-written letter sharing my thanks, appreciation, and admiration for everything they do. It took me about an hour and truly made me reflect on the wonderful people in my life.
Day Three: Share the wealth
How many times a day do you grab coffee from a barista without even looking them in the eye? Or blow of your waiter to keep up with an email? Or completely overlook saying thank-you to the hardworking deli cashier? Service industry jobs are ruthless, and people can be incredibly cruel and entitled. While I think I'm normally pretty polite, I know I could show more gratitude for the service professionals who take care of me. So on day three, I plan to leave nice tips for everyone who helps me--not just throwing my pitiful pocket change in the jar, but grabbing a handful of bills and making a point to thank them with my words and my wallet.
Day Four: Do a clean sweep
I hate doing the dishes, and usually my boyfriend ends up tackling the kitchen during our cleaning days. But on day four of the gratitude challenge, I'm going to show him how much our shared space means to me. I'm going to put on a podcast, throw on a ratty t-shirt, and scrub our house from top to bottom. Not only does this give him the amazing experience of coming home to a beautifully cleaned house, but it helps me focus on how lucky we are to have such a nice, cozy home--and that kind of gratitude should be something I acknowledge every single day.
Day Five: Spoil your co-workers
Just like I took time to reflect on the service professionals who make my life easier, I'm going to spend day five showing how grateful I am for my job and the people there with me. I'm not the best baker, but I can throw together some pretty legit chocolate chip cookies, and that's exactly what I'm going to do. As well, I'm going to include a note for everyone grabbing a treat, letting them know how important they are to me and how much I appreciate them.
Day Six: Self-care
I'm going to be thankful for my healthy, functioning body and give it a day of rest, a day to recharge, and a day for me to be wholly aware of the incredible things it does for me. I'm not sure what this looks like just yet, but I'm thinking either a nice massage or a half-day hike. Maybe both!
Day Seven: Reflect
I'm going to send myself an email about everything I did, what I learned from it, and what I appreciate about my life. When I start feeling down, or the stress of the world overwhelms me, I'm going to read it--and maybe, just maybe, it will keep me in the right mindset all year long.
