Alright, it’s the 6th day of my gratitude challenge. Today is the first day that I’ve really struggled to come up with five things to being grateful for.
There are lots of things going on, and I’m super busy but that’s not why I’m struggling today. I’m struggling because today was a very ordinary day. And as a result, it was more difficult for me to be naturally grateful. Instead, I’ve had to make a really conscious effort to be mindful about my life.
So I guess, days like this are why I started this challenge. So, let’s get into it!
1. I’m grateful that I managed to take that break in the afternoon to get a coffee.
I’m a workaholic.
No, seriously, I’m a workaholic.
Sometimes, I can sit for hours and work on something for my classes. To the point, that it’s actually a problem, and I have to be super conscious not to be engrossed in it.
Ah, well the perils of loving your job.
Anyway, I got super busy this afternoon and was thinking about working through my break when I remembered that this is my break time. And I should take at least 15 minutes and have a real break.
So, I did. And you know what, I actually worked better than I would have if I’d stayed- quickly banging out a national landmarks game.
Life is good.
Don’t believe me about that break helping so much. Check out this cool article. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/kate-bartolotta/5-science-backed-ways-taking-a-break-boosts-our-productivity_b_8548292.html
2. I’m grateful that I was able to take the time to clean up my classroom.
We’re in summer school right now; and as a result, teachers are moved from room to room. Inevitably this means, sometimes teachers rearrange rooms to best suit them. Which is okay, but it’s a serious time suck when you come back to your classroom and everything feels mixed up.
So, I stayed after work today and rearranged the cubbies for my elementary class.
I. Feel. So. Much. Better.
Now that I know where everything is again, I should be able to glide through tomorrow.
Nah, just kidding I’m a teacher. Nothing ever goes perfectly planned. But I certainly won’t lose time looking for things.
3. I’m grateful that the printer was working today.
I seriously need to get back into the habit of printing ahead of schedule. The tone went down, we ran out of paper, and it jammed a couple of time. BUT, I did get what I needed printed.
Sometimes, life just works out.
4. I’m grateful to be hearing from my friends so often now.
I’ve personally been making an effort to contact my friends more often now and express how grateful I am that we’ve always been friends. It’s difficult at times since I’m fairly introverted. But my friends seem to really appreciate it.
It feels awkward to express my gratitude to others about our friendship. But I really do care about my friends. And I’m so grateful that they’re in my life.
5. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to take the time to write a gratitude list every day.
It can be really difficult to complete challenges like this. It’s so easy to feel good but not follow through. You say to yourself, it’s the intention that matter.
But actually, no it’s not always just about intention. As I become older, I realize that following through is really what differentiates those who want to change from those who don’t. As a result, I’ve been making a conscious effort to push through and keep going.
Still, there are other things that could affect this project like my computer dying or my internet breaking. However, everything including my happiness is on the upswing, lately.
I feel silly admitting this, but I’m grateful that I even have the time and mental energy to do this challenge.
Want to check out some benefits of writing a gratitude blog. Check out this cool resource that inspired me.
Traveling in Eastern Asia 
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