As I bustle around our home a bit past 10 pm on a Sunday evening, all the little ducklings snuggled in to sleep, Daddy snoring away, my big little brother tucked into our daughter’s bed for the night….I can’t help but think about how much Gratitude and Joy this all brings to me.

Grateful for this beautiful home.  Grateful for the light smell of lavender and lemon coming from our essential oil diffuser.  Grateful that I have leftovers from an awesome Sunday dinner to eat for lunch tomorrow.  Grateful that I have the PRIVILEGE of throwing away unmatched socks that have been hanging around our laundry area for far too long.  Grateful that I have a Heavenly Father and a handful of earthly people to love and people that love me back.  Despite my flaws, despite my imperfections, in spite of me!

You see, I don’t always feel this feeling.  I am a mom, Type A’ish and a NATURAL BORN HUMAN BEING.  Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, sometimes I feel a little twinge of resentment when I am knee deep in all of my responsibilities, yes – I said it.  Sometimes I am just plain tired.  In fact, I’ve come to realize the moments that are the hardest for me to practice gratitude are when too many early morning wake up calls have my eyes burning and my mind thinking about the pillow!

But the truth is…if we can get out from around ourselves.  Stop long enough to take a few breaths and really grasp hold of what matters, we too can find gratitude in the small moments of life.

I can always find Gratitude on the Trail no matter how hard the Hike.

It is a practice.  One I have to remind myself of often.  This is why it is called Practicing Gratitude. ♥   So when the laundry gets piled up, your spouse is not living up to your expectations (spoiler alert, expectations are premeditated disappointments) …your long run did not go as planned or you feel your life is just plain dysfunctional, try taking a few deep breaths and think of the things that you are Grateful for.

If life is dishing out some serious lemons right now, try this.  Close your eyes.  Take 5 really deep concentrated breaths.  Think about how good fresh air feels in your lungs.  Visualize a recent moment where you felt, tasted or experienced something you can be grateful for.   It can be as simple as a home made peanut butter & Jelly sandwich, or a much needed nap you had the opportunity to take.  Focus on how you felt in those moments and practice thanking God, The Universe or The Powers you believe in for the precious moments you’ve experienced.

Sometimes life is really hard.  Plain and simple.  However, if we are able to put some tools in our tool box it can feel just a bit better as we weather the storms.  I pray this tool brings you Joy and Peace even in the toughest of times.  #practicegratitude

^“6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phillipians 4:6-7, NIV) 

I would love to hear how you practice gratitude in your daily life.  Feel free to join the conversation in our group on Facebook: http://bit.ly/SimplyinGrace