This is a post unlike I’ve done before. There are no deals or no coupons, but I wanted to share it with you because it’s been on my heart.
The other day, I was anxious, stressed – thinking about all the things I had to accomplish before the days end. I was driving both kids to the doctor for their annual check-ups and of course I was running late. Another stoplight. Grrrrr. And then another stoplight. Gasp!
And then I had an aha moment and thought to myself, “stop it.” I’m sitting at this red light and instead of being anxious about it, I started thinking of all my blessings. My beautiful kids, husband, family, friends, health – the list is long! I was reminded that gratefulness is a gift. When I’m feeling grateful it’s hard to be frustrated or angry. It lifts me up and cheers me up. It feels good for my soul.
So I pledged that from now on stoplights would be blessings. They’d be my regular reminder to give thanks for the craziness that is my life. To remind my kids (again) that I love them. To take a breather and say “thank you”.
It’s only been a week – but you’d be surprised how many red lights I’ve come across and how many extra opportunities it’s given me for saying thank you. I even asked my four-year-old son what he was grateful for and we spent a good amount of time talking about it in the car! It’s already becoming more of a habit and I’m finding myself giving thanks even when I’m not at a red light.
Thanks for letting me share. It’s a little early to be talking Thanksgiving – but I think it’s never to early to be thanks giving. I hope to continue this gratitude discussion here on the blog in some form of another at least through the end of the year.
Next time you’re hurrying to get to work or rushing to Rite Aid – try it. When you get to that stop light. Be grateful. Look around and give thanks. I think you’ll be thankful you did.
p.s. I don’t want you to think I have it all figured out. I don’t. I’m just little ole me trying to juggle babies, blogging, a dirty house and a long to do list. I’m not perfect. But I can be perfectly happy with what I’ve got. š
Here are a couple other fun ideas I found that I might have to do this fall:
- Gratitude BoardĀ courtesy of Jelly Bean Junkie
- Gratitude A Family Project courtesy of Becky Higgins
Scott Bidwell says
What an awesome thought Heather! Thanks for reminding me what is really important.
Melissa says
Thank you for the inspiring words. š
Heather says
You’re welcome Melissa!
Robin says
This post reminds me of a situation that happed YEARS ago with my daughter in the car. It was Christmas time, and I was on a mad rush to the mall after work one evening, my husband was working swing shift at the time, so I had to bring our 3 year old with me. I work retail management, so you can imagine how excited I was to be spending my evening fighting MORE crowds to finish up my Christmas shopping. Then…….. On my way home, I was stopped at a red light, just outside of the malls parking garage, the streets were all decorated with Christmas lights and decorations, and I completely missed seeing them…..Until, out of the car seat behind me, came a statement that I will NEVER forget…….”MOMMA…..Isn’t it BEAUTIFUL!!
What an eye opener! I had not even taken in the beauty around me, I was so caught up in my own personal stress, thinking about work, shopping, and trying to make everything perfect for my husband and daughter, that I COMPLETELY forgot what life is really about. We must not forget that life is about the MOMENTS, the journey, and not the destination.
Loved the memories you stirred, thank you!!
Heather says
Thank you for your thoughtful comment Robin. It made me teary eyed! So glad my post stirred up those memories for you. š
Karrie@HappyMoneySaver says
Heather, that is such a cool idea!! I love this post, it totally reminds me to remember to stop and remember my blessings. This idea is going to stick with me, thanks.
Tara says
I love the idea of giving red lights a new purpose. My 5.5 year old is gonna love this. “Okay, every time we stop at a red light, tell me something you’re thankful for!” Once she gets into it, I know she’ll be catching me – “hey mom! it’s a red light!” Gets her more alert and observing of her surroundings as well. Thanks! I’m grateful for the idea! š