When I wrote that post in November about changing Gratitude Sunday, I mentioned that I wanted to switch to monthly posts, rather than weekly, but I also wanted another change too. When I first had the inspiration to start Gratitude Sunday here on the blog, I didn’t want to do it by myself- simply sharing my gratitude lists here for others to read, instead I envisioned a group of us choosing to focus on gratitude together. It’s so much more fun that way.

Over the years I’ve wondered how exactly to do that and recently an idea came to me. Why not make a hashtag on Instagram so we can easily share our gratitude lists (or a single thing we’re feeling grateful for) with one another? During that process I decided I wanted to change the name altogether because I didn’t want “Gratitude Sunday” to make people feel limited to that one day. (So many names were taken, it took awhile. Jeff and Bracken gave me suggestions, and finally The Gratitude Tribe is the one that felt right.) I think this will be such an easier way for people to participate and I’m really excited about it! Now you can use #thegratitudetribe anytime you feel like sharing what you’re grateful for.

I still plan on sharing monthly gratitude posts here, only now it won’t be limited to a Sunday, but any day that month I feel like sharing. (I didn’t write one in December because I was still figuring out how I wanted to change it all.) I’m sure you’ll see bits of gratitude from me on Instagram in between those blog posts too. For those of you who don’t use Instagram (or would rather join another way) you are welcome to participate in the comments. (More on joining at the bottom of this post.)

I know so many of you already count your blessings on a regular basis, and I think there is something powerful about coming together as a group to do a positive thing like that together. If you are looking to cultivate a positive habit in the new year, one that is easy to do, yet brings you deeper calm and more fulfillment in your life… why not take up gratitude? In the new year, I want to continue to take the time to be grateful for the little things each day, because it’s such an important part of my self-care. Gratitude is so good for our well being and when we take the time to focus on it, even briefly, it is such a gift to ourselves. That gift to ourselves ends up being a gift to those around us as well. (I updated this page on the blog, and share more about how awesome I think gratitude is, along with some repeats of what I’ve shared here.)

It’s more fun when you join, so I hope you will be a part of The Gratitude Tribe! It feels good to be posting this fresh start, and freshly created vision on the New Year. Happy New Year everyone! Oh, and here’s my gratitude list.

::{A monthly list of gratitude. A time to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful.}:: 

Lately I’ve felt grateful for: 

…The sweet little daisies that bloom at the coast year round. I’m always so happy to see them, and especially in the wintertime.
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…Seeing the quote: “It is not happy people who are grateful. It is grateful people who are happy.” I love that so much.
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…Waking up early and coming downstairs to start a fire in the wood stove to surprise Jeff. (That hardly ever happens because he always wakes up before I do, and he was quite happy to wake up to a house already warming up.)
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…Watching Bracken’s joy building little fairy houses in the lavender bushes with his friends. (It was also fun to watch them scout for materials nearby. A tiny white feather became a pillow, a quarter became fairy treasure, and a peanut shell was a dish.)
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…Things that make us laugh. Like watching The Beverly Hillbillies. (We have been loving that show! It’s hilarious.)
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…Jeff making a batch of elderberry syrup for our family when we couldn’t find any at the nearby store with ingredients we liked. We saved money and it was better than any we’d ever tried before.
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…Friends suggesting new chapter books to read. (And whenever we get to to read them as a family. That’s my favorite, when we all get to enjoy a story together.)
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…Garlic roasting in the oven. I’m not sure if there is any other smell that makes me hungrier for an upcoming meal!
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…Following my inspiration and leaving the cleaning for later. I did get the cleaning done the next day, and I was so much more productive from going where my inspiration led that day.
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…My dad and stepmom visiting us so we could celebrate Christmas together when we weren’t able to make it down to them like a had originally planned, due to a problem with our vehicle. Bracken was bummed not to visit, so having them come was really appreciated.
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…Ordering my new planner for 2018. Yay! (It’s funny how excited I get about it every year, but I do.)

(You can read more about the inspiration for The Gratitude Tribe here.) Like to Join Us? Share what you’re feeling grateful for (whether a single thing or many) in the comments, leave your link in the comments, or join anytime on Instagram with the tag #thegratitudetribe. Gratitude is good for the soul! Thanks for joining!
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