Start And End Your Day By Counting Your Blessings

 By: Paula Short

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

Colossians 2:6-7 NIV

Jesus wants to guide us and help us through our daily life. We are being rooted, built up, and strengthened by faith by following his guidance. 

One key is practicing gratitude and counting your blessings, centering on Christ, and grounding ourselves in his Word. Learn daily about our Savior, Study the Bible, Develop knowledge stay humble and curious about him and his Word.

One easy way to get started on a gratitude practice is to count your blessings both morning and night. You don't even have to write them down. Simply taking a few minutes when you wake up and before you go to bed is enough to begin cementing this new practice into your routine. Here are some tips to help you start. 

Start Small

Easing into any habit is usually the best approach. By making it easier on yourself, you'll be more inclined to continue moving forward. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself to come up with grand examples of gratitude when you're just starting out. You can add more as you become comfortable. Sometimes just recognizing a tiny blessing can have a significant impact. When your first begin, focus on three things daily.

Add It On 

A helpful method for remembering your new gratitude habit is to add it on to your existing routine. Whatever you usually do in the morning and night, be sure to include a few minutes to think of what makes you feel fortunate. 

One Line A DayJournal

 While it's called a "gratitude journal," it's actually a tool or a record. You can use a journal or a spiral-bound notebook. Write the date down and record three things you are blessed/grateful for on one line each day. The important part is that you take the time each day to record a few things that make you feel fortunate. I use a one-line-a-day gratitude planner that includes one-line-a-day journal pages.

Turn It Around

You can also try the opposite. Turn complaints around into something positive. Try to find the silver lining. 

Take Notes

A good habit can be jotting things down during the day as they happen. It only takes a few seconds to make a note of what you feel grateful for at that moment. You can reflect on it later during your quiet bedtime routine. You can even add notes on your cell phone. I find it helpful to make notes on my phone while I'm out and about or not near my journal. I can write and reflect on them later.

Practicing gratitude and counting your blessings can be an insightful and life-changing tool. Remember, you only have to write three simple things you're grateful for. Start your record-keeping practice today and see what it can do for you.