Gratitude--Yes, It Matters to a Creative Life

Some days it seems impossible to find anything good in the chaos of our world. Some days, everything shines. What makes the difference? To me, it’s not about what’s outside of me. It’s my attitude of gratitude.

A songwriter friend coined that phrase. It has become a mantra for me. I know it’s helped my writing.

So next week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving in my house in northern New England, we’re practicing a lovely ritual: we circle the gathered family and friends, each person sharing one thing they are grateful for this past year.

Somehow, it lifts us all. Makes the meal taste better. The meaning of gathering more profound.

Three things exercise

Back in October, I restarted a practice I used to love: writing down three things each day that I am grateful for. Looking at the accumulated list is a true uplift on days when my creative efforts fall flat.

I don’t know where this exercise originated. I have read about it here and there online, so many people encouraging others to try it. I remember absorbing this idea from my first read of Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way long ago. But since then I have tracked it as an opening meditation for my writing time. The idea is to build confidence and refresh the spirit.

So today, since you may be facing a busy time with family and friends next week, and may need a little uplift to enjoy the holiday if you celebrate, my weekly writing exercise might encourage you to start this practice now and build fuel for the winter months ahead.

Your Weekly Writing Exercise

Begin a gratitude list. Each morning or evening, write three things you are grateful for that day. Even on terrible days, there are things to write: you are breathing, nature is still alive in our world, you can read this post.

Make it a sincere effort. Watch how it influences your day and night, and what it brings to your creative practice.

Share one thing here.

Photo by Mark Casey on Unsplash