In our lives, most of us focus on the things we ”need” in order to be happy. And we forget to look at what we already have. I know you are guilty of this!
We all are. Sometimes we have a little gratefulness bubble that comes up and we realize how blessed we are. I mean all of you have a roof over your head, food on the table, and friends in your life. (If you don’t, let me know and I will do everything in my power to help you find a way to get your basis covered.)
It’s easier to keep looking at that new dress we absolutely need. Or the new gadget that will make everything better.
It’s a lot harder to stop and think of everything we already have. What we have is there, yet we are so used to it, it’s now part of our surroundings. It doesn’t get our attention anymore.
A lovely problem to have
When I arrived in Québec City about 2 months ago, I had only my green backpack and a small daypack. And somehow, I now have way too much clothes to fit back in my bag. I can’t say I’m surprised at how it happened, though, thanks to Sarah and my parents who donated and bought new clothes for me. Now, I’m not sure if this was supposed to be a message about how I looked when I arrived, but thanks anyway!
I’m very grateful to have all my needs covered. And if my bag was to go missing, or I was to lose everything (the seemingly little I own to some people), I would probably be sad, but I would know I can count on my family and friends to be there for me, not necessarily financially, but mostly to support me. And those humans connections are what truly matters in my life.
Having a lot (of clothes, books, stuff) is not always what will make you happy. On the other hand being surrounded by people who care about you, and about whom you care too, is what makes this life worth it.
A small challenge for you to try
One thing I had started not that long ago and will get back to today, was to list 3 things I’m grateful for every day. These do not need to be big things. Actually, the smaller the better as you quickly learn to notice and appreciate the small joys in your life. For the first few days, it might be difficult for you to come up with 3 things, but here’s a small list to get you started:
Hearing one of your favourite songs,
Having a great laugh with a friend,
Your student or child finally reading his story without struggling on the difficult words,
Eating a delicious meal,
Watching a funny episode of a TV show,
Enjoying a summer storm when all smells so heavenly,
There’s an endless list of small things to appreciate and be grateful for.
These are easy to write on a good day, but much more needed on a bad one. That’s when it’s challenging, but also when it will make a difference.
Which is why I challenge you to join me in writing down 3 things you are grateful for every day for one week. You can use the good old paper and pen, use one of the many gratitude journal apps available. Or even better, join me as my accountability partners, and write them up on The Green Backpack’s Facebook page! There’s no time like the present to start something, so tonight, I’ll post the three things I’m grateful for and I’ll be looking forward to yours.
Grateful for human connections
Yesterday, I made a spreadsheet of the posts I’ve published since starting my blog and who commented on what to see what was more appreciated and in which direction I should bring this blog. I loved seeing a list of all of you amazing people.
While you seemingly have nothing in common, coming from different countries, religions, and backgrounds, I realized that if I could get all of you in one room, it would amount to such open-mindedness, I’m sure it would make a hell of a party! I’m so grateful to have met all of you. Thanks for being supportive. It means a lot to me.