This year, I have been blessed with long stretches of time off. Once in September - I spent two weeks in California; once in November - spent10 days with friends and family; and just now, for the Christmas / New year time frame.
This time off has given me much needed time to self-reflect. In September, I reflected most on how I view myself - who I think I am and who I actually am. In November, I reflected on my finances and came up with a comprehensive plan for 2014. Now, I have been reflecting on the year as a whole and been focusing on saying thank you for the wonderful things I have had in 2013.
-Promotion
-Paid off student loans
-Got rid of old Betsy and now have a sporty SUV (new Betsy)
-Gave more and raised more than ever for the Heartwalk (3rd year of participation)
Gratitude has been on my mind a lot lately - I have had a few instances of people noticing my struggle to be grateful. It is not that I do not say thank you and do not appreciate the things that I have, but I struggle with having a grateful spirit in the day-to-day. I have noticed that ingratitude tends to be the root of problems: I don't appreciate the clothes I have, I go buy more. I don't appreciate the food in my fridge, I go buy more. I don't appreciate the income I have, I resent the salaries people make when they leave for new jobs.
Although I already set my comprehensive plan for 2014, I am starting to consider how I can make gratitude for what I have at the center of my plan. First start? Giving more away. If I am grateful for what I already have, how much more would I be able to share?
Three questions to consider before making the next purchase:
Do I already have a version of this? (If yes, why don't I think its good enough?)
What am I hoping to gain by buying this? (Could I gain it another way?)
Am I buying this based on an emotion? (If yes, which one & what caused the emotional need?)
