part 2: gratitude

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I hope you have taken the time to read the Blog Post:  Part 1: Best Things.  

Just as I try to parent intentionally, I also want to encourage this group intentionally.  The concept is the same, but the execution is just a little different.

In Part 1 I asked:  What was the best thing that happened to you today?
In Part 2 I am asking:  How did you show gratitude today?

​What would you do differently tomorrow if you knew that I was going to ask you that question?

Every year in November, we start seeing posts about what we are thankful for.  There is a part of me that smiles when I see those posts on social media.  The idea of pausing to be thankful is a good idea and we need to do it more often.  But this year, I want to shake that up a little bit. 

I don’t want you to sit down at the end of the day and scroll through your familiar list of private blessings.  Home, my family, pets, job… No.  I want to challenge you to  a little more.  I want you to look at tomorrow intentionally and think -​

 How can I be a blessing today? ​

​And then I want you to do it. 

Can you imagine the ripple effect this could have in your community?  I realize that everyone  isn’t going to read this blog - but what if you reading it, and acting on it blesses someone else?  And what if that person, because they are blessed, turns around and is kind to someone else?  And that person, and that person… What if?

The Alex Prochaska Memorial Project Inc Page on Facebook is going to asking you the same question every day this month.

Do not name any names.  Do not tag friends  No specifics. This isn’t about announcing your accomplishment, this is about DOING something.  The post is your accountability, not your podium.  

Here are several ideas of things that you could do to be a blessing, but I’m super excited to see what you come up with on your own!

• Leave a sticky note of encouragement to a coworker
• Go the extra mile for a customer at work.
• Do someone else's “chores” at home without telling them or taking credit
• Notice a small thing that needs fixed and fix it, anonymously (this could be at work, or at home)
• Take some extra time for an elderly person
• Notice someone who is easily overlooked and pay attention to them
• Spend extra time in conversation with someone who needs it
• Help a friend
• Help someone who really isn’t a friend
• Leave a giant tip 
• Take a baked good to your local car dealership for the staff
  • ok, that one is sort of a joke, I work at a car dealership,  It’s not a bad idea though - is there a business that you appreciate?  Their staff will enjoy a plate of cookies or a box of donuts!
• Send your spouse flowers
• Send your mom flowers
• Send a long distance friend a care package
• Start the "pay for the person behind me" in the drive up.   
• Call your mom and really talk to her. 
• Call one of your kids out of school early so you can grab a snack together.
• Take treats to work to share with your coworkers for no reason
• Give your child's teacher a gift today.  A $5 gift card is easy.
• Do you know a college student?  Get their address and send them a note of encouragement.  
• Do you know  a teenager?  Pick them up and take them out for a coke.
• Who are the children in your Church?  Send one of them a fun note.

What are your ideas?  Share them in the comments!

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