This month, I am reminded of exactly why I decided to choose one word to guide each month, rather than one word to guide my entire year: life happens. And while the words I’ve chosen for January and February were perfect for me at the time, they are not what I need in the month of March.
So, what do I need? Gratitude. I need gratitude.
I need to remind myself of the blessings I have daily, even when they might not seem like blessings at the time. I need to remind myself that I’m lucky to spend my days working at home, even while jockeying for the better wifi signal with my children. I need to focus on the positive, not the negative, and shift my mindset to appreciate the little things that might go overlooked, even in the midst of a never-ending pandemic.
And I know that creating a daily gratitude practice will help me do just that.
In both January and February, I found great success in taking part in a daily challenge to support my word of the month. In January, I took part in Breath: A 30 Day Yoga Journey and in February, I joined Gretchen Rubin’s daily relationship challenge. And both were a success. Each day, I received an email or audio message with the challenge for the day…..it doesn’t get much easier than that to remember to complete one little thing each day to bring my word to life!
But honestly, I let my One Little Thing notebook slide a little. I still completed one little thing each day, but I didn’t record it. At first, it didn’t seem like a big deal. I mean, I was doing the work, so why beat myself up for not writing it down? But now, looking back at the month, I do not have a tangible reminder of those little moments from my day I wanted to hold onto.
So, this month, I am participating in the Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life Challenge to bring more gratitude in my life. Each day, I’ll celebrate one little thing from my day that I am grateful for. I’ll snap a quick picture of the person, item, location or experience I want to hold onto and write a short letter of gratitude to that very thing. Not only will it help me cultivate a mindset of gratitude, but it will help me develop my daily writing habit too, something that can always use a boost.
So, what’s you’re one word for the month of March? And how will you hold it close all month long? Share your comments below, tag @AffinitoLit on social media and join me in the #OneLittleThing movement!
Joy says
"cultivate a mindset of gratitude" This line from your post struck me. Your mission to cultivate a mindset of gratitude is inspiring. Welcome to the Slice of Life Writing Challenge! I may be a bit biased, but I believe firmly that by joining this writing community, you will not only cultivate gratitude, but you will cultivate meaningful relationships…a win, win! All the best as you embark upon your month-long journey!
aggiekesler says
I always choose a OLW for the year, but I've never thought to do one for a month. I'll have to see how this goes as I read your slices this month. 🙂 I started a gratitude journal last month, and I write 3 things I'm thankful for each day. It's been helpful to focus on the positive things. Some days I have a lot to write, and other days I barely eke out 3 things.
Stephanie says
Thank you! I'm so looking forward to the benefits of gratitude, writing and connection!
Stephanie says
I've just started that and am hoping that going public will really make it a habit!
Stacey Shubitz says
I do a OLW to help guide me through each year. This year, my word is joy. However, a few years ago it was gratitude. Having gratitude guide me for a year was wonderful. I hope having a "gratitude mindset" leads you to discover wonderful things this month while writing about them as part of the SOLSC.
Jill Bless says
I'm excited to read about all the things you are grateful for this month. I'm sure it will help me be more aware of the world around me and cause me to reflect and be more thankful myself!
onathought.com says
I'm so glad you are slicing! I love your words each month – and gratitude is a great one. Can't wait to read more. 🙂
JenniferM says
A focus on gratitude is the perfect fit for slicing! When March is over, I always find myself so grateful to have noticed and preserved so many fleeting moments of joy and beauty in my life! Welcome to the challenge!
Nawal Qarooni Casiano says
Hi Stephanie! Hooray for our worlds continuing to intersect! I love your word, gratitude – it's a consistent for me too. This year instead of resolutions, I did a list of words I hope will continue to center me. Breathe. Hydrate. Pause.
Looking forward to reading your continued posts!
XX
The Writing Book Lady says
Stephanie, I sincerely don't know how you do it all! You inspire me! Thank you!!
Stephanie says
Thank you, Stacey. I'd usually just note these things in a notebook, but SOL is giving me more accountability to really make this practice stick. =)
Stephanie says
Right back at you! =)