Breadcrumbs for a Life Well Spent
Journaling helps me live with intention. From food to finances to bird calls in the woods, here’s how I track what matters and leave breadcrumbs worth following.
Be the Change You Seek: A Simple Habit to Brighten Our World
How often do you say thank you each day?
It's such a small phrase—just two simple words—but it holds tremendous power. Gratitude is one of the easiest yet most impactful ways we can collectively make our lives richer and our society warmer.
Saying "thank you" is more than mere politeness. It's a genuine acknowledgment that says:
"I see you. I appreciate what you did, and it matters to me."
Why Practicing Gratitude Matters
Each time you express gratitude, you're choosing to recognize the humanity in someone else. And in doing so, you're also nourishing your own well-being. It truly feels good to acknowledge others' efforts and kindness, fostering a deeper sense of connection and belonging.
To be honest and vulnerable with you, dear reader, when I hold the door open for someone or let someone merge into traffic ahead of me, it stings a little if that simple gesture goes unrecognized. I catch myself feeling briefly disappointed—not because I expect something grand, but because I was hoping to share a moment of connection, however small.
I remind myself that I can't truly know what the other person might be experiencing. Perhaps they're distracted, exhausted, or stressed. Yet, those small opportunities to connect are precious and fleeting. Every chance we have to brighten someone's day is a perishable moment, here one second and gone the next.
My Gratitude Challenge for You
Say “Thank You” Ten Times a Day—for One Month.
Ten times may sound like a lot at first, but I promise, once you get going, you'll realize gratitude moments happen everywhere—at home, at the store, during your commute, in a meeting, or when picking up coffee.
To keep track easily, use your fingers! Begin with your left pinkie and make your way across, finger by finger, until you reach your right pinkie. By the end of the day, you'll have thanked ten people.
Why one month? Because practicing daily gratitude for just a few weeks can profoundly shift your perspective. You may find yourself:
- Feeling happier and more optimistic.
- Connecting more easily with others.
- Noticing small moments of kindness you previously overlooked.
The Power of Saying ‘Thank You
Gratitude is contagious. Each small act sends ripples into the world, brightening someone's day and encouraging kindness to spread further.
Let’s all make this commitment together—starting right now.
Thank you, dear reader, for taking the time to read this far. I see you, and I appreciate your willingness to join me in making the world a kinder place, one small moment at a time.
Try this simple habit. You just might find it's the easiest way to change your life—and our world—for the better.
"Know what’s enough. Build what matters.”
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