I have realized something about myself. I have realized I have stopped taking a quiet moment out each morning to simmer down and give thanks. It is something I used to do all of the time. It was an important part of my daily routine and like with most elective activities, it slowly weaned itself out of my life. While we are very faithful family, I have felt the need to carve out more time just for myself. And I am not talking shopping time or café mocha time. Not that there is anything wrong with those. But I have decided I need to pause and simply give thanks in writing each morning for the little and big things that bless my life. I would like to think that I am very deliberate about living a life of gratitude. It has always been something very close to my heart. But lately, I have let the laundry, dirty dishes, dusty house, and to-do list send me into a tailspin. And all of those things are tiny and seemingly unimportant. The flaw with that logic is that those things do matter to me. Only from the stand point that I operate and feel so much more at peace if things are picked up and clean around here. Anyone relate? That is just how I am wired. So instead of letting it all get to me, I have decided to pour my morning coffee {actually the hubs pours it for me} and I sit down with my gratitude journal. 
My sweet friends over at All In Good Twine sent me the most amazing printable. It so tied into all that was happening in my heart and my goal to live with thanks. I framed it so that I can be reminded daily. 
I chose a journal given to me by my dear friend Megan. This alone helps to remind me of the special friendships that prove to be steadfast support in my life. 
It’s only five minutes of my morning, but it’s a great way to begin my day. I jot down things that make me feel happy and fulfilled. Simple things like an unexpected call from a girlfriend make my list. 
I am involving my family as well. Dinnertime is big around here. We sit down every night together and talk about our days. We also have a little something sweet after each meal. And not gonna lie, this ice cream flavor has taken over our home. I even have the neighbors indulging in it. But the point is this. While the kiddos enjoy a spoonful of ice cream we all take turns saying what we are grateful for that day. I have to share what Grady said last night. He is grateful that mommy and daddy got married because there are two people that love him and will help him with everything. That’s the stuff that melts your heart. And it quickly puts the to-do list in perspective. 
So what about you? Do you have a daily ritual that keeps you in check? I certainly don’t claim that this will erase all of my stress or make me suddenly ok with a messy home or lengthy to-do list. But it does center me and remind me of the blessings that are in my life on a daily basis. The time I spend in gratitude helps to humble me and keeps me smiling. And for that, I am grateful. 
This darling printable can be found over at All In Good Twine. I love the chalkboard motif and so love having this in my home as a constant reminder. Enjoy your day. UPDATE: Many have emailed about my blouse. It is from here. … … Haagen-Dazs has chosen us to be brand influencers on their “Moments for Me” campaign. Share the moments you cherish in your everyday life using hashtag #HDMoment, and Haagen Dazs might share it over on their tumblr page. Häagen-Dazs and the “Moment for Me” campaign provided us with the ice cream, but the moments of togetherness and gratitude are ours to keep.
Oh that Grady is such a sweetheart! Love your tradition Courtney!
I receive daily email quotes specifically on the topic of gratefulness from Gratefulness.org. I read them with my first cup of coffee and share them with a group of dear friends and have been doing this for years – literally. They can be found on Facebook too. Enjoy!
PS – Love that plaid flannel-like shirt!
Such an awesome practice… I get up 30 minutes early and spend time with my devotional and then list my 'gifts' in a journal, too. It's been an amazing source of renewal each and every day. Blessings, Courtney!
xo Heidi
Love the tradition– and the plaid shirt! Where did you get it ? It's awesome!!
love it – i need to do this! great pics girlie!
Thanks for sharing. I need to do that as well. I have been so stressed out lately with my growing "to do" list. I really need some reflection time.
Something to be grateful for is the hubs pouring that cup of coffee for you. 🙂
I heard on the radio just this morning of a young boy, age 11, that passed away yesterday from cancerous tumors. It rocked me to the core, since I cannot imagine how that family is feeling/coping/functioning today and every day beyond. The news reminded me that I should hug my loved ones a little tighter, be thankful that I am running late out the door because my kids want to play with their Rainbow Loom a little longer, since they would do anything to be in my place. And it reminded me to remember to pray for them. I appreciate the reminder from you to count your blessings and the direction for the printable, since it will be making it's way into my house. And another thing I can be thankful for is your mention of that ice cream… I know my family will be all over that one.
Thank you for sharing.
Great reminder to take time everyday to stop, be grateful for what we have and get your thoughts out. I recently did The Whole Life Challenge (it is an 8 week healthy life challenge) and one of the challenges was to sit and write / journal for 10 minutes. In the beginning I had no idea what I would write about, but by the end of the challenge I LOVED that time and got so many things out that I didn't even realize were floating around in my head. Need to get back to doing this – thanks for the reminder!
Love this idea. The printable is a perfect reminder. Love your blouse as well!!
Love that printable…and your pics are so pretty! Thanks for this reminder to slow down!!! And are you a leftie?! My girl Sloan is, too
Hey thanks a lot for the post! This is something I used to do too…u motivated me to start again! N Grady is so cute!!
I love your blog so much! Always clever and beautiful, but also cozy and restful. Love how your family is clearly your top priority.
I love your blog so much! Always clever and beautiful, but also cozy and restful. Love how your family is clearly your top priority.