With Thanksgiving coming up, I find it is a good time to reflect on what you are grateful for. Afterall giving thanks is in the name of the holiday. One way is by writing thoughts in a gratitude journal.
I have a lot of thoughts about gratitude. I don’t think a lot of people see its benefits. It may be because many think it is silly, when in reality it isn’t.
Every once in a while I will write my thoughts in a gratitude journal. During the week or couple days that I remember, I will write in that journal. Throughout those days I notice a change in my attitude towards almost everything: I am much happier and more appreciative.
In the last two weeks I have been challenged to write in a gratitude journal every day until February. It has been a struggle, but throughout the time that I have been consistently writing in it, I have noticed drastic changes — even if it is for the simplest things.
I believe that gratitude opens our eyes to how blessed we are, even if we don’t feel like it. Oftentimes we forget how many blessings are really in our lives, down to just the smallest things including school.
Before you go calling me crazy, there are so many people that would kill to get the opportunity to come to school and learn the things that you are learning.
One that I had come up with that was beyond ridiculous was chapstick. I think I would die without chapstick, and it’s such a small thing to be grateful for.
During hard times it is hard to be grateful and look on the other side of our struggles. We often come up with excuses to keep ourselves in a little funk. Gratitude is just a small part of getting you out of the hole you dug. Start small by just thinking about all of the things you’re grateful for, and eventually start writing them down in some kind of journal.
I promise you will see a shift in your everyday life.
– by McKynlee Cottam (17) Escalante
Feature image caption: A worn-out gratitude journal is a great possession. Writing down your gratitude can really change your life.
McKynlee Cottam – Escalante
McKynlee Cottam is a junior writer, and sometimes editor, at The Byway. She is a senior at Escalante High School. This year she’s had the opportunity to be the school’s Student Body President and Miss Garfield’s Outstanding Teen. McKynlee loves to write about things that are going on in our county and world, as well as some fun out-of-hat pieces. She enjoys playing the violin, participating in basketball, and of course hanging out with her friends. The Byway has been a fun part of her life, and she hopes to keep contributing to it for some time!