Thankful Journal #1

As we close out the year, I wanted to take some time to reflect on all that’s happened in 2017 and seal it with a moment of gratitude. A regular gratitude practice is the single most expert-recommended trick for short and long-term happiness, and it just so happens to be one of the easiest. 

The honest effects of gratitude and positivity! 

Knowing this, I try to end each night playing the game, “Three Good Things.” In it, I mentally list three things I’m thankful for that day. It’s really simple, but so powerful. I usually fall asleep as I’m naming my third thing and drift off with a smile on my face. So not a bad deal. 

Thankful for the chance to explore Chicago over St. Patrick's Day weekend with some of my best buds. 

There are some days that I need more of a pick-me-up, so I’ll pull out my journal and physically list the things that bring me joy or that I'm feeling grateful for in that moment. I wanted to do this digitally to help give some insight into my regular practice and also help answer the question of, "How do I meaningfully reflect on 2017 in a way that brings me joy?" I've divided my life into six different facets to help narrow the focus a bit more:

Thankful for beautiful walks in the green, green nature.

In 2017, I was thankful for...

Socially

• Best friends from college whom I feel so comfortable and at home with
• A family who texts, calls, and leaves voicemails
• The chance to be there for my friends when they were going through tough times (i.e. the chance to put the needs of others' before my own)
• Regular game nights that allow me to connect with friends without the pressure of drinking 

Some of the aforementioned best friends, making my heart burst just a little at the seams. 

Professionally

• The chance to revive my passion for writing & creativity with this platform  
• Being recognized and nurtured in my job  
• All the challenges I faced at work this year that lead to personal growth. I learned so much about starting a new role, negotiating for my worth, interviewing, and make decisions about change. 
• The chance to start the year with a clean slate and a new job! 

Just two of the amazing people I got to work with in 2017. 

Romantically

• All the romance of a new relationship :) Little things like an Easter basket filled with my favorite candy, a surprise visit on Valentine's Day, a romantic drive up the 1, a getaway weekend to Costanoa Lodge, all the bouquets of flowers "just because" ...I'll spare everyone, but the list goes on. 
• Falling in love with a truly good person who cares for me in a way that I have always wanted

Best part of my 2017 was you :) 

Spiritually

• Moments that humble me, like times I've failed and times I needed to be called out on my attitude
• Books that make me feel understand and less alone 
• Disconnecting from tech and dropping into stillness 
• Days that I got to spend all on my own, doing exactly what makes me happy
• Discovering Rumi's poetry (one of my favorite poems here)
• Simply, that I have hope for the future

Thankful for the chance to travel to Bali this year and stay in incredible locations like this one in Ubud. 

Financially

• A steady job that allowed me to live in my favorite city in my beautiful apartment
• The ability to put a good chunk of money into retirement
• Seeing some of my first investments in the stock market pay off

The aforementioned favorite city.

Physically

• The opportunity to travel to Chicago, Bali, New York, Spain, and Portugal
• A hometown I love to visit 
• All the sweet puppy dogs who make me smile when I meet them
• The many nights I got 8 hours of blissful, restful sleep 
• Other creators who help me stay fit/sane without a gym membership by producing amazing free content. Some of my recent favorites: 

60 Minute Beginner Yoga Flow

60 Minute Intermediate Yoga Flow

I've struggled just a little to get this post out, because 2017 was not without its challenges for me. In fact, a lot of them seemed to culminate in the last few months. But when I lay out my life like this - with everything that I have to be thankful for - I realize it would be more inauthentic to not share. Hopefully by giving a peek into my regular practice, you’ll be inspired to start your own and experience an increased sense of joy and contentment with your already incredible life. 

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