2024: Gratitude

The start to a new year is always a fun and fresh time in the year for everyone. It is a time when you can reflect on what events, people, and memories from the previous year. It is a time when you can write down and think about new goals and habits you want to start the new year with. It is a time to realize and celebrate all that you have accomplished in just 12 months. I always enjoy looking back at what I did in the previous January and compare it to present December so I can see how much is changed. Every new year, I write down a list. This includes things like goals, habits, or things I want to accomplish throughout the year. I also write down new phrases or bible verses for the year.

But most importantly, I pick a word. I chose a word that I want to focus on and live by throughout the next year. The word that I have chosen for 2024 is gratitude.

Gratitude: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness

I chose "gratitude" as my word for 2024 for many reasons. I strive to share my appreciation for others and things any opportunity I have. Sharing appreciation not only reminds you about how blessed and thankful you are, but shows appreciation to the other person for what they have done as well. It makes others, as well as yourself, feel more positive emotions. Taking a quick moment to to notice the things that you are grateful for each day can not only brighten your outlook on life, but encourage others to do so as well.

One thing that I have started doing is making a list every morning of five things I am grateful for. Today so far I am grateful for my morning starbucks, my warm bed, New Girl, the ability for me to go to class in college, and my family. That took me two minutes to type out and now I am realizing and being reminded of the good things I have going on in my life.

Ephesians 5:20 says "Give thanks always for all things." Give thanks to God for all that He has given us. It is important to recognize all that He has blessed us with and to share that with others. Showing gratitude allows you to experience God moment by moment, while remaining present and experiencing and recognizing His love daily.

Take this year one step at a time and make it yours. Start fresh and allow yourself to grow as it goes, we are all humans and it is okay to make mistakes or face obstacles. Remind yourself to always be thankful and show gratitude when given the chance. Remind yourself to always give grace:)