I recently attended the last graduation and Christmas lunch for Bizness Babes Queensland (a programme I graduated from earlier this year). My motivation for attending was single minded – I was told that Toni Powell was speaking. She has been making a documentary about gratitude with her daughter Hailey Bartholomew (who had created the original 365 grateful project years ago). I still remember reading my copy of Notebook magazine and seeing the article about Hailey’s project. At the time I was not at all connected to an attitude of gratitude, but the project stood out to me!
Toni gave an amazing presentation and I found myself nodding along as everything I have felt since starting my gratitude journey was mentioned in her talk. Check out the trailer for the documentary below and if you are in Brisbane or near the Sunshine Coast Toni is running half day workshops on gratitude in January. She quickly agreed to be interviewed by me – thank you Toni!
1. When you first started a practice of gratitude what did that look like for you? did you write daily, use a journal, etc?
I have never used a journal for long periods or taken photos – these are just tools to switch your mind over to another lens. I just started by looking forward to something each day and for a few weeks wrote down some things I was grateful for. I am not terribly disciplined and get bored by routines very easily so for me it was better to just be On The Lookout – all day.. it was like a hunt. As I have gone on it has become a way of thinking more and more – I hope that over time this way of viewing my life will infiltrate all my thinking.
2. What were you expecting, if anything, to come out of it? and what actually resulted?
I was expecting to be happier.
What has been happening has truly amazed me. I keep wanting to pinch myself. It has been slow in some ways – I am experiencing new benefits even 18 months down the track – but it was also quite instant to begin feeling significant effects. It affects my health, my moods, my ability to relate, even how I look - everything!
3. What advise would you give to those skeptical or resistant to a gratitude practice? Is it one size fits all or is it something you need to explore until you find the right way forward?
Skeptics should come to the
30 Day Gratitude Challenge Life Class (if you are in Queensland)- the science is pretty solid! I was not drawn to this very naturally – I was usually more cynical and dismissive of anything that might be too sweet and sugary. I imagined gratitude that way. I didn’t really think I needed it – I was surprised, and more surprised by how tough this thing is – not sweet, not cute – it gives you backbone.
Waking up to the fact that you are a beneficiary and that the world is wonderful can be slow – we are so used to being demanding and dissatisfied . The more often you practice noticing the goodness in your life, the more it impacts you – the more life becomes LIFE. There is no right way but doing it consistently is what works.
4. What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about gratitude to date?
That it could make me kinder and less selfish… oh and about 100 other things.
5. How do you think a focus on gratitude has impacted on how you go about your day to day life?
I smile a lot now, I complain less, I am more content, much much more resilient, life has become wonderful – that is pretty huge. I think it has impacted all of my life…. that is why I need 4.5 hours to tell it all, and even then I am leaving things out.
From Deb: As we come to the end of 2011 I hope you will all take time to reflect on the blessings in your life – from the seemingly small details to the great big, in your face “how lucky am I?” moments and gifts in this life. Maybe it is that fresh coffee you spend 10 minutes enjoying now that your kids are a little older or the way your dog cuddles up to you every night. Perhaps you are more aware of and connected to nature these days (as I am) and can start to appreciate the wonder that is all around us every day. I hope a few of you will be grateful for amazing new opportunities, security, a lovely home and a wonderful family – and may you be doubly blessed in 2012! What we focus on grows!
Find your simple,
Deb
PS If you are looking to simplify your life in 2012 please join us for the
52 week challenge starting in January. I welcome your insights, your stories and your support as we all grow and change together!
Tagged as:
gratitude,
inspiration,
interview,
mindset
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Sometimes I get lazy with my appreciation. This is the perfect wee reminder for me today – Thanks Deb…Also very grateful for having connected with you this year x
kirri recently posted..Are you in my crew?
Twitter: findyoursimple
December 23, 2011 at 8:34 pm
You too hon – see you next month!
Debra Dane recently posted..7 Deadly Sins of Goal Setting
Twitter: AspiringMum
December 23, 2011 at 4:40 pm
It’s amazing the difference an attitude of gratitude has on everyday life – and a great reminder at this time of year.
Debbie @ Aspiring Mum recently posted..The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
Twitter: findyoursimple
December 23, 2011 at 8:35 pm
Definitely Debbie – grateful to have connected with you too this year…thanks for stopping by at this busy time
Debra Dane recently posted..Time Management and Planning Tips
Thanks for that Deb, I hadnt heard of the 365 days thing…lov it…the last 6mths since I stopped work and lost the stress its amazing how the beautiful world has opened up to me or me to the world! Merry Xmas to you and yours and wonderful wishes for 2012 xx
Jen R recently posted..2 sleeps….
Twitter: findyoursimple
December 23, 2011 at 8:35 pm
All the best to you and yours too Jen – great that you have had a wonderful 2nd half of the year – less stress is such a blessing!
Debra Dane recently posted..How to make a decision stress free
Twitter: Jane_PlanetBaby
December 23, 2011 at 10:14 pm
Hi Deb A fabulous post, my friend. Gratitude, happiness and mindfulness have been my big discoveries this year, thanks to Brene Brown and Gretchen Rubin. Have you found them as well? J x
Jane recently posted..Miss India turns 4 with a rainbow party
Twitter: findyoursimple
December 23, 2011 at 10:19 pm
Yes – both. I have been reading Gretchen since her blog’s early days! I have listened to Brene’s TED talk and get her blog posts -she is inspiring but overwhelming at times too if that makes sense (a lot to take in)! Mindfulness is on my agenda for next year (my big picture aims for next year are to slow down, connect more fully with my family and get focused/be fully present). I hope you have a great Christmas – I am thinking of you at this time. My dad’s birthday is boxing day so i know how hard it can be at the holidays. xxxx deb
Debra Dane recently posted..Time Management and Planning Tips
I found this year self-determination and patience! I am looking forward to my discoveries next year:)
Anna recently posted..inexpensive dentist
Twitter: findyoursimple
December 31, 2011 at 7:14 am
Those are 2 great ones – patience is still one I am working on, but I found that as the gratitude focus increased so did the patience – yet another benefit!
Debra Dane recently posted..7 Deadly Sins of Goal Setting
I would be lost without daily gratitude for little things. Especially when the big things don’t go to plan. Gratitude brings perspective & humility & contentment & joy. Thanks for this reminder Deb. x
Twitter: findyoursimple
December 31, 2011 at 7:15 am
You’re welcome – and your beautiful photographs are something I am thankful for today and photography in general- i love what a great photo can do for us – what emotions it brings up, how it can inspire, delight and excite! So thank you!
Debra Dane recently posted..How to make a decision stress free