Last year I opted out on New Year’s resolutions and decided to go with intention. It wasn’t an ideal year, and this year I decided to wait until after the New Year and focus on gratitude; it’s always timely.
For the fourth year in a row, this is an opportunity to hit pause and focus on all the good things that each of us has in our lives. The holiday season has a way of rushing in, every year, and making it hard to remember that throughout the year, there are blessings. There are so many things that bring joy, so many happy things; yet it’s easy to find to lose sight of this fact, as we manage busy lives.
In 2014 I followed in the footsteps of Jen over at Jenny’s Lark, and wrote a list of 50 things (in 10 minutes) that I was grateful for in 2014. The list actually became 60 things, because I still had time, and a lot to be grateful for. The exercise was originally a spin off a Daily Prompt challenge. Those Daily Prompts are something to be happy/grateful about, if you haven’t checked them out yet, do it now! Jen and I had so much fun with it in 2014, that we added links to each other’s blogs, and other bloggers followed suit.
In 2015, happy-gratitude exploded as I invited a few bloggers and suggested we all come together and share gratitude. Bloggers begat more bloggers, and it grew… and grew… and grew! And once again, Jen had another great idea: focus on happy and be grateful. It’s about choosing happy, choosing positive, over the negative things that we could focus on. Gratitude or Happiness–– Chicken or egg?
The 2015 project included 74 bloggers–– something I thought would be small and easy, turned into something huge. I met so many cool new bloggers, and my happiness and gratitude grew exponentially. In 2016 a lot of bloggers bowed-out. As the inauguration loomed; many said they just weren’t up for it. There were 30 bloggers who chimed in, and shared their happy thoughts and gratitude. Both years I read every post, to see what we have in common, and how we differ. Those places where we meet, and where we are unique, are a beautiful thing and a great way to start the year.
It was hard not to go back and edit my list, each time I found something wonderful on other lists… but it just gave me things to focus on for this year. If I express gratitude, I find myself feeling happy, and if I list happy things, I inevitably feel grateful–– either way, it’s win/win! I guarantee, you’ll find yourself smiling, feeling grateful and happy if you spend 15 minutes reflecting on positivity. Couldn’t we all use more happy and more grateful? Think of this as a blog party, to share happy, grateful thoughts. Find the full instructions below my list.
Set a timer
This year, I’ve made a few small changes based on feedback. Ten minutes was not enough; I heard that over and over. This year set a timer for 15 minutes; but timing this is critical. Once you start the timer, start your list. The goal is to write things that make you happy, or things you feel grateful for. Don’t think too hard; just write what comes to mind in the time allotted. If you use the numbered mode and just type what comes to mind, it’s easy. When the timer’s done stop writing; finish whatever sentence you’re on. If you haven’t written 50 things, don’t worry. If you have more than 50 things great; you can’t feel too happy or too grateful! The number doesn’t worry. Add the photos, links, instructions, etc after you finish the list––the timer doesn’t matter for getting these details down; it applies to the list only. Be sure to link back to this post, so that others can find the instructions and join in too, we can promote each others’ blogs, and so I can read them all, and enjoy the fruits of my labor. This is a feel good project; if you don’t want to do it, don’t, but the more the merrier, so I hope you will.
A grateful, Happy New Year to you all!
2017 Gratitude list (not in particular order):
- My two year-old grandson– Every. Single. Day!
- My husband and children
- Love, giving and receiving it
- Music, and dancing in my kitchen each day
- Hiking & walking- especially in the woods/mountains/shores of WA state
- Friends- thank you!
- Family
- Reconnecting with my brother & healing our relationship
- Participation in the March on Washington
- Strong women and folks willing to protest
- #MeToo knowing we are not alone & strong voices calling for justice
- Miraval trip
- The Desert
- Jumping off a 35’ pole with my husband
- My work with high school seniors, on their college essays
- My dogs. Every day.
- Solo, long-distance hikes
- The first snow each winter
- Blogging friends
- Friday Fictioneers
- Great books, that sweep me away, and inspire me to write
- Facebook, for the connections and the ability to share
- #ThinkBigSundaysWithMarsha the most positive place on Twitter
- PP&M and meeting Peter Yarrow on a flight from Denver to NYC
- Great movies
- My 100 year-old Christmas cactus; it blooms 3x a year!
- The Pacific NW
- Israel
- My pillow, especially when it’s cool
- Feeling strong and fit
- My aunts
- My father
- Summer vacation with my grandson, daughter and son-in-law
- My son-in-law, Alex, who we all love so much
- Emmy, who I love, and who my son loves more
- Legalized marijuana
- Seeing Hamilton and Dear Evan Hanson on Broadway, NYC
- My nieces and nephews
- Spending time with my sister
- The Redwoods
- Sushi, anytime, but especially each Friday with my bestie
- Good health, especially after my meningitis scare
- Travel
- The Internet
- Clean, fresh water
- Rain
- Hummingbirds each day at my window, year round
- Writing
- Kindness
- Seaglass, and Port Townsend, where I find so many treasures
- Yellow Posted™ notes & lined yellow note pads
- The ocean
- Puzzles
- Art
- Christmas ornaments & my menorah
(all those links will take you to more fun story-telling)
How to join in: write your own post and publish it. Copy the link from the post. Then click on the frog below, and follow the instructions to add your link. If you have any trouble, please let me know, and I’d be happy to help. I will also add a link to each post on my own blog post, as they are published. For extra fun, please add the hashtags #BloggersUnite and/or #50HappyThings… because, well, everyone loves a hashtag! The link-up expires January 15th at 11:59pm.
Bloggers who have contributed so far: Jackie, Dawn Miller, Rochelle, Mrs. Dash, Dale, Kasturi, Louise, Jen, teen soul, Heather, Sakeena, Diana, April, Carol, Ra, Corina,
Now it’s your turn. Add your Gratitude Blog Post Here:
Please share your thoughts in the comments. I’m grateful for the feedback.
* * *
KAPOW! Have you stopped by Tales From the Motherland Facebook page to spread some fairy dust? I’m grateful for each Like. Follow me on Twitter, LeBron James does (for real)! Most importantly, if you like a post I’ve written, hit Like and leave a comment. Honest, constructive feedback is always appreciated. Click Follow; you’ll get each new post delivered by email, no spam.
©2011-2018 All content and images on this site are copyrighted to Dawn Quyle Landau and Tales From the Motherland, unless specifically noted otherwise. If you want to share my work, I’m grateful, but please give proper credit and Link back to my work; plagiarism sucks!
TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND 
I am so happy you continued the tradition, I actually e-mailed you a few weeks back asking about this. I’m not sure if I have the correct e-mail and I assume with everything going on if I did it was hard to confirm. I look forward to this every single year. I’m so glad you’re on the road to recovery and making positive changes along the way.
Thank you for always being a continued inspiration. Your honesty is something the world really needs.
Happy New Year!
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Jackie, so sorry, I never got that email. I just searched. Sorry to have missed you! I wanted to reach out and ask you to join this year, and couldn’t find your email either. Glad you saw this, now it’s your turn! 🙂 Happy New Year and thank you so much for all of your kind and supportive accolades; they inspire me and cheer me every time! xox
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Dear Dawn,
I wondered, with all the tsuris you’ve suffered recently if you’d continue this tradition. I’m happy to see that you did. I’ll be posting my list soon. You inspire me. ❤ 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So happy that you’ll join in, Rochelle! I wanted to do it earlier, but yes… things got in the way! Then I realized that perhaps after the holidays was better timing anyway. Here we are. I’m touched by your words; thanks for all your hard work on FF… it made my list. 🙂 Happy New Year, and Shalom.
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Fabulous list, Dawn!
Nothing better than focussing on positive and happy.
I’m off to do mine, now.
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Thanks Dale! Can’t wait to see who… err, what you put on your list! 😉 Happy Happy!
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Hahaha!
Adding my images, as we “speak”!
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😊😘
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Oh my! Wonders never cease… you’ve never commented. I’ll add this to my list next year. 😉 xo
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love your list and so glad you went over 50 to get the ocean in there – woo
and also curious as to why the “yellow” post it notes?
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Welcome to Tales From the Motherland, Prior; I’m grateful you stopped by. 😉 Glad you enjoyed the list, and love that you have a question. I love yellow post its! I use them all the time… leave love notes for my kids, whenever they are coming or going (welcome home, I love you, OR Safe travels, I love you! I use them for reminders; they fit perfectly in the lower left/right corner of my Mac; I use them in the car to remind myself to pick something up, etc… so yeah, they are the bomb! As for the ocean… well, the ocean is everything. Please think about doing your own and joining in; I’d love to see your list! Happy New Year and thanks for coming by!
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Hi – thanks for the nice reply (and welcome) but I was also curiious as to why you wrote “yellow” – like wondered if that was a fav (and I just used post-its that had floral border and tiny little quote – so you know was wondering if the yellow meant something).
and side note – i did do the challenge – and got to 76 in my 15 minutes – will try and share later –
hope you have a nice week
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I find the yellow ones easier to read. They’re pale, and simple. It’s a personal thing, so no doubt others find various colors and decorations better. And how on earth did you get to 76?! Wow! I can’t wait to read that list! 😉
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Fabulous – delighted to join in with this again. Thanks Dawn x
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So happy to have you, Louise… and heaven knows you have a LOT to be happy and grateful for, despite some challenges, like me. I love your wonderful attitude, and look forward to reading your list! All the best in 2018!
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You too lovely x
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Happy New Year, Dawn! Great list and a very positive vibe to go into 2018. I truly hope this year is a much better year for you! –Audra
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From your mouth to… thanks so much, Audra! I’m hoping for a happy, healthy New Year for you as well. Thanks for your continued support and positivity!
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Excellent! I remembered this post on New Years Eve, thinking that I had missed it somehow…better late than never! And the same goes for me….I may do this post sometime later. Life has just seemed to swallow me up lately and I can’t seem to catch my breath. Right now the whole family is dealing with strep throat and trying to get better. Sigh.
Happy New Year!
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Oh no! I’m sorry, Melissa; that’s so hard when you have little ones! I’d love to have you join, but of course, take care of you and your family! Wishing you a happy new year, and healthier, gentler days ahead…. for both of us. 🙂
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Okay, how is your precious grandson already two years old?
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Two and a half!! It’s unbelievable. It means I’m that much older, and still haven’t gotten my manuscript out there! How is that possible? Good question to ponder, as I spend days pondering… 😉
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Same. I ponder the same question for me. And I have SIX manuscripts not out there. Yet. Maybe this is our year.
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Maybe indeed. I just sent you an email, with some thoughts on that… This year.
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I got it! This year, my friend.
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We can support and cheer for each other! Game on.
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Amazing list and really love that you added kindness, love, giving and receiving it. I have completed my list and will soon publish them too 🙂
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Thanks so much for stopping by to check out the #BloggersUnite, and share your thoughts. These things mean a lot to me, and I’m glad they resonated with you as well. I can’t wait to read your list, and then I’ll add it to my post. 🙂
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Thank you very much and really glad to be a part of this #BloggersUnite 🙂
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Fantastic fabulous awesome Love the slide show!!!
Sent from my iPhone
>
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Thanks so much K; how wonderful to have you comment on my blog!
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Reblogged this on TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND and commented:
STOP THE PRESSES! Just when you thought it was too late to join the 4th annual #BloggersUnite for #50HappyThings challenge, I’ve gone and changed the deadline. Yes, you read that correctly; there’s more time to be happy and grateful! In fact, until the end of January.
You’re wondering why? I had a deadline (chosen a bit arbitrarily) and all, so why up and change the game now, when it’s come and gone? Well, it’s easy: 1) There have been some wonderful new blog posts added, just in the past couple of days. That makes me think that other bloggers will see those ones and be dying to join in. Who am I to keep more gratitude from flowing?
2) It’s a happy thing to share gratitude. Positivity begets more positivity, and who am I to keep us all from enjoying more positivity, when heaven knows we need it!
So, I’ve extended the deadline until the end of January. You’ve got another chance to join this happy party; so do it! Trust me, once you start typing out your list, you won’t believe how wonderful you feel. If you read a couple of the posts already added, pretty much every blogger says that: they’re so glad they did it. And you will be happy too. So, don’t wait; don’t put it off any longer, because this deadline will be the final deadline. I’m not going to extend the deadline again, despite all #1 and #2 just provided. Now, go forth and set timers!
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I love the sound of your cactus. And I’m the opposite and love a warm pillow! Great to read your list Dawn. Look forward to doing it again.
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Just looked at the Inlinkz and don’t see your post. If you send me your email (you can PM me on the Tales From the Motherland FB page), I can help you link up.
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