A few years back, a friend of mine shared a practice that transformed her life, and I decided to give it a try. Each morning, as soon as my feet hit the floor, I take a moment to reflect on the things I’m grateful for.
I express gratitude for waking up, for my children, for the luxury of clean drinking water, and for the joy of meeting a friend for lunch. I make it a point to acknowledge anything that brings me joy or peace, no matter how small.
Once I’ve counted my blessings, I set my intentions for the day. This includes tasks I want to accomplish, chores that need attention, and quality time with my kids and friends. Miraculously, I manage to get everything done.
This practice didn’t come easily. I used to wake up in a frenzy, consumed by the day’s to-do list, oblivious to the inner chaos I was creating. Instead of appreciating the beauty around me or the fact that my children are here with me, I was stressed and overwhelmed by every little inconvenience.
Initially, this ritual was a challenge. My mind often tried to revert to its old habits. However, it has now become second nature and a far more effective way to begin my day than succumbing to anxiety. If I skip this practice, I notice a significant dip in my mood and productivity, as if my day is off-kilter.
For me, this morning routine is my form of church. It has given me more tranquility than all my past Sundays spent in pews combined. If I miss it, my day tends to spiral downward, and I find myself going through the motions without purpose.
After I drop the kids off at school, I pop in my earbuds and tune into an uplifting podcast or some nostalgic tunes from the ’80s and ’90s. Running helps me feel rejuvenated and mentally prepared to tackle whatever lies ahead. It’s a rare moment of clarity that connects me with myself, providing long-term benefits that extend not just to me but to my family as well.
I lead by example, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and gratitude to my kids. My eldest son finds his sanctuary in the gym, lifting weights. My daughter expresses herself through singing, while my youngest loses himself in his sketchpad. When they engage in these activities, I notice an uplifting shift in their confidence and mood.
Even though they are teenagers and sometimes grumble about minor inconveniences, I gently remind them to appreciate the little things. I encourage them to recognize their dad’s efforts to bond over ice skating and to remember the other food options in the fridge.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, spirituality is the “quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.” Our family doesn’t attend church regularly, as we’ve found other ways to nurture our spirits. Everyone’s journey is unique, and what matters most is engaging in activities that nourish your soul and make you feel more alive.
For me, spirituality manifests in moments like watching an owl glide past or seeing a family of deer run through the snow. It’s the satisfaction of completing a challenging run, knowing I’ve pushed my limits for my own well-being. Those moments help me appreciate the little joys in life, reminding me to never take them for granted.
My church is in sharing these insights with my children, even when they roll their eyes. I believe that by tuning into what makes them feel vibrant and alive, they are building habits that will serve them well in life. Having experienced a phase of spiritual neglect, I’m committed to helping my children explore their spirituality much earlier than I did.
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In summary, starting each day with gratitude and intention has transformed my life and positively impacted my family. I’ve found that nurturing my spirit through mindfulness and personal connection brings lasting benefits, and I hope my children embrace these values early on.
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