Three good things
This morning I was feeling somewhat tired and dreary–ever have days like that? Those mornings when it’s hard to just get going?
Sipping on my morning hot chocolate, I read a short article in Progressive Farmer by Jennifer Campbell.* She writes about those days when just about everything seems to go wrong:
It happens to all of us, whether we want to admit it or not. If you get focused on the bad, wrong, negative–it just builds and builds and, without realizing it, is all you notice.”
Jennifer Campbell
But Campbell shared a way to halt that negative attitude. She’s even gotten her children and husband using this strategy to “turn the struggle bus.”
Her solution?
Each day–list three good things!
Hmm…even in my grumpy mood, I should be able to find three good things to be thankful for.
- It rained earlier this morning, but now the sun is shining.
- Every day this past week, I had to get up at 5:00 a.m. for work, but today I slept in a little. And, as an extra bonus–We switched back to standard time, so I was blessed with an extra hour of sleep!
- My sweet dog is at the door waiting for me to come outside for chores.
It actually wasn’t so hard for me to think of three good things this morning–three blessings! Throughout the day, I found myself identifying other “good things” that happened.
How about you? Can you share three good things that blessed your day?
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
*Jennifer Campbell, “Stop and Give Me Three”, Progressive Farmer, November 2020. Her blog is (farmwifefeeds.com)
We all need those reminders to be thankful. And with our Thanksgiving holiday approaching we tend to remember gratitude more during this month, but it really should be a daily exercise like you said. Thanks for sharing your morning inspiration!
I’m thankful today for kindness and encouragement. When we support each other it spreads the joy of love and kindness–makes it contagious in the best possible way! Thank you, Barbara. Wishing you a blessed week.
So love this. Three things? My Lord, my wife, my friend Ms. Katherine. That was easy! 🙂 I’ve made a Post-It note for my desk that reads “To Turn Struggle Bus: Name Three Things You’re Thankful For”
You are so kind, my friend. Today (and every day) I am thankful for you–your encouragement, wisdom, and inspiration not only lift me up, but you are a ray of sunshine for all who are blessed to know you. Your loving service to our Lord spills over into blessings for His children. Thank you!
I do this too in my bullet journal under a little banner titled gratitude. It really helps me put those tough days in perspective.
That’s a wonderful idea! Thank you for sharing that with us. We all have so much to be thankful for.
Such a simple act, yet consistently used, it is absolutely life changing!
I agree, Barb. You’ve pointed out the most important aspect–be thankful and grateful consistently!
I try to do this also, Katherine, but sometimes forget, and I appreciate your reminder! It is often small things that remind us of God’s many blessings! Hot chocolate is one of my favorite blessings, too!
I didn’t start my hot chocolate habit until about five years ago. I don’t care for coffee and never understood why people thought they just HAD to have coffee in the mornings. Now that I enjoy my chocolate so much, I have a healthier respect for coffee lovers. Thanks for your encouragement, Kathy.