Nov 27 2024 17 mins
Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S., so I’m sharing a simple gratitude practice that you can do as a family, along with a guided gratitude meditation. What you focus on is what you create more of. When you focus on things that bring you joy and delight, you’re going to feel better and more positive about your life.
You’ll Learn:
- Why your kid isn’t wrong for wanting things
- How to flip the wish list into a simple family gratitude practice
- What I’m thankful for
- A guided meditation to bring more gratitude into your life
Gratitude is a powerful tool for feeling more content in your life. Instead of chasing after something new, better, different, more, we can learn to appreciate the things we have.
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The Antidote to Entitlement
If you’re reading this around the time it comes out, we’re heading into the holiday season. If you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or another gift-giving holiday, your kids probably have gifts on the brain.
First, I want to remind you that this is normal. Kids naturally have a lot of desire. It’s okay for them to want things and ask for things. It’s also okay for them to not get those things and feel disappointed.
But, if you’ve worried that your kid is going to be spoiled, entitled or always wanting, wanting, wanting…
The antidote is gratitude.
A Simple Family Gratitude Practice
This gratitude practice is about being okay with desire, wants and the wish list.
In fact, this exercise is kinda like a wish list in reverse. Challenge your kids (and yourself) to ask themselves…
What are some things that you used to want that you now have?
Look back on these things and take a moment to be grateful for them.
It doesn’t have to be formal, or even written down. Just start a conversation. You can use some of the prompts below to get you started:
- Do you remember what was on your wish list last year? Did you get it?
- Isn't it amazing that you used to want something, and now you have it?
- Do you still love it? Are you glad you have it?
It doesn’t have to be stuff. You can also express gratitude for an experience, relationship or opportunity.
We’re cultivating the ability to reflect and be thankful, challenging the brain to think of things in a slightly different way.
This podcast was something I wanted for a long time. I am so thankful for you and for the opportunity to share the things I’ve learned. I’m grateful for my difficult experience as a mom because it allows me to connect with you and help make your life a little bit easier and more calm.
If you want to listen to the guided meditation in the podcast recording, you can find it at [8:54].
I wish you a joyful holiday and lots of love and gratitude in your life.
Free Resources:
Get your copy of the Stop Yelling Cheat Sheet!
In this free guide you’ll discover:
✨ A simple tool to stop yelling once you’ve started (This one thing will get you calm.)
✨ 40 things to do instead of yelling. (You only need to pick one!)
✨ Exactly why you yell. (And how to stop yourself from starting.)
✨A script to say to your kids when you yell. (So they don't follow you around!)
Download the Stop Yelling Cheat Sheet here
Connect With Darlynn:
- Book a complimentary session with Darlynn
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