Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!

Today’s post is all about joy+gratitude! It’s so easy in our busy, crazy, chaotic lives to feel upset and worried, overwhelmed and exhausted that we can forget to make time for the things we really love to do.

Want to shift that mindset?

Focus on those objects of joy around you. What are you grateful for? Those things that you may be ignoring or have forgotten that make your heart sing - and you will find that you are much less likely to feel upset or worried, weary or exhausted.

So how can you focus on joy+gratitude when life seems less than joyful?

Well, you make the decision - here and now - to focus on it. Might seem too simple - but often it is the simple decisions that can change our mindset so dramatically and end up changing our life.

To start, make a list of 50 things that bring you joy and what you are grateful for. This can be your activity to complete on your own or include your family! We are putting a large sheet of paper on our kitchen table before Thanksgiving dinner and will use lines, shapes, colors, words and images to fill it up!

Check out ideas other ideas below to get you started!

Make your list of 50 things - they are not things that you mildly enjoy… things that make you grin. Fifty things might seem like a lot - but just trust me. Give it a shot. It doesn’t have to be a day long outing - it can be as simple as watching the sun set. Or giving your loved one an extra long hug when they come home from work. Crawling into bed with fresh clean crisp sheets. And then schedule time for ONE of those things each week for the next 4 weeks. If this means saying NO to something that you feel obligated or pressured to do - then do it! Make some space for joy. Your brain will thank you! Some ideas to get your brainstorming started!

20 Ways to Bring Joy+Gratitude Back into Your Life

Pick some fresh flowers or greenery.
Discover a new happy song or inspiring podcast.
Fill your diffuser with an uplifting scent like citrus or woody oils.
Make some art. Get lost in the creative process.
Wear a color that makes you feel like a badass.
Reconnect with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.
Have a picnic in your backyard or hot chocolate in a snow fort.
Make that recipe that you’ve had on your fridge for 6 months.
Put on some music and dance!
Play a board game with your loved ones on the next rainy day.
On that same rainy day - find a puddle and jump in it.
Take a nap.
Have a bubble bath (or foot soak) when everyone else in your life is busy.
Go for a bike ride a hike or snowshoeing.
Go for a leisurely walk - without your phone.
Donate your unwanted items to someone in need.
Laugh -put on a funny movie, plan a date or phone chat with someone hilarious in your life. Laughter is good for the soul… and the brain.
Write down 3 things you are grateful for.
Make a list of 5 things you love about your significant other and/or kids and surprise them with it.
Make a commitment to doing one thing a day that adds joy to your life.

Health & Happiness,
Kayla

P.S. Head over to the Facebook group, Motherhood Connections: Supporting Your Family’s Emotional Health Naturally, and share your top three! Let’s come up with some ideas to make mindset shifts happen!