Being college females it is ridiculously easy to fall into a vicious cycle of negativity and self-loathing. A typical day can easily begin waking up to the thought “I did not get enough sleep last night” and progress to a closet full of clothes where “ugh I have nothing to wear.” You get to class and instantly compare your outfit to the trendy-super model-esk girl next to you. You become irate when your professor assigns a pop-quiz on the reading you “forgot” to do last night. For most of us that is enough to become “a really crappy day.”
It is incredibly easy, and almost human nature to concentrate on the negatives, compare yourself to others, and complain about the little things. We live our lives like this everyday; unaware of the self-defeating cycle we are victims of. This November, I challenge all of you to break this cycle and participate in a month of pure gratitude.
There is only one cure for low-self esteem, unhappiness, and materialism… GRATITUDE!
Gratitude is simple, remember to focus on the positive and put your problems and complaints in perspective. Being grateful for all you have is essential to creating a happier and healthier life for yourself! I promise by the end of November, if you participate in a month of gratitude, your outlook on life will change. No longer should women anywhere feel inadequate or ignorant to the wondrous lives they live.
Be grateful for all of the opportunities, possessions, and people in your life. To do so, I suggest you make a gratitude jar! It’s a simple craft that will truly leave a lasting impact on your life!
What you’ll need:
- 1 Mason jar (or any small container really)
- Ribbon or stickers
- 30 – 50 small pieces of paper
- A newfound appreciate for all parts of your everyday
How to:
Create a gratitude jar; decorate a mason jar with some ribbon and stickers. Cut up a bunch of small slips of paper before, so they’re easily accessible. Every single day write down something you are grateful for and put it inside your jar! At the end of the month, reflect back on all your gratitude notes and be appreciative of your beautiful life!
The notes you write for your gratitude jar can be any and everything you want.
-  I’m grateful for the A+ I got on my econ paper
-  I’m grateful for my best friends
- I’m grateful for the card my grandma sent me today
- I am grateful for the beautiful fall weather today
- I am so grateful for the random act of kindness that a stranger showed me at Whole Foods today
Instead of complaining, comparing, and belittling… try something new this month and be grateful for everything. I promise you won’t be sorry.
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Photo Credit:Â http://www.wisteria.com/Dream-… Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â