When the going gets tough, I make gratitude lists.
This is the time of year when I prepare to look back, and look ahead, with wonder and joy. And yes, I'm doing it again this year! Even (especially!) in spite of everything.
Let's wrap up 2024 together, and build our capacity for experiencing joy and wonder as we go. Beginning Nov. 29, I’m offering a bonus series: Finding 101 Wonderful Things: A Year-end review ritual for paid subscribers to this newsletter
Making a list of 101 Wonderful things about the year that just passed might sound like a challenging task. But I’ve been doing it for over 30 years, and I can tell you it gets easier each time.
And no, that’s not because I’m naturally a glass-half-full kind of person. (I’m not!)
I started looking for the good in each day at a time when I’d suffered a devastating loss. I knew I had to do something to dig myself out of the pit of despair I felt trapped in, so I decided to start by making a nightly list of 10 Wonderful Things About the Day that Just Passed.
Back then, I was having trouble finding 1, 2, or 3 good things—let alone 10 wonderful things—about my days. But I kept at it, because I was determined to get better.
Over time, my nightly “10 Wonderful Things” lists have grown into an annual “101 Wonderful Things” list-making ritual, which in turn has become the basis for an ongoing, life-enhancing, daily spiritual practice.
I’ve learned that becoming a more resilient and happier person starts with:
setting intentions,
reflecting on experiences and creating meaning from them,
and awakening to the beauty and wonder in whatever I face—even on the bleakest days.
Today, I’m inviting you to join me in this list-making ritual—which you’ll discover is about much more than just making a list!
Finding 101 Wonderful Things: A Year-end review ritual to build your happiness muscle, begins Nov. 29 for 5 weeks and is free for paid subscribers!*
Start now by counting to ten
To get in shape for building a year-end 101 Wonderful Things list, start a daily practice. In my book Joy in Every Moment I suggest this bedtime gratitude practice:
As you fall asleep, think of 10 Wonderful Things about the day that just passed.
Look for little things in addition to the big-ticket items. You can feel as grateful for the sight of a deer grazing outside your window as you can about getting a promotion at work.
As you think of each Wonderful Thing, call to mind all of the sensory details of the experience (taste, smell, sounds, texture, visual details, etc.), and soak it in.
Hold each experience in your mind for the length of several gentle, relaxed breaths.
Feel your heart fill with gratitude as you recall each wonderful moment.
*When you become a paid subscriber to this newsletter, you also receive bonus mini-courses, like the one that begins on Nov. 29! You can pay by the year for just $40 and save. Or pay $5/month, for as many (or as few) months as you like.
Finding 101 Wonderful Things:
A Year-end review ritual to build your happiness muscle
Starting Nov. 29 for 5 weeks for paid subscribers!
No registration needed! This mini-course is free for paid subscribers, and will automatically be sent to you.
If you are not currently a paid subscriber, upgrade to paid to receive the mini-course in your inbox beginning Nov. 29. Click here for more details.
Come home to your writing this winter in this virtual writing retreat
Register by Nov. 15 for Early Bird discounts!
In this low-cost Write-at-Home retreat, you’ll write at home at your desk or by the hearth—or close to home: at a local café or library—it’s up to you.
You don’t have to book a room, board a flight, or pack a bag! Just settle into your favorite comfy chair and enjoy a weekend of focused writing, prompts, encouragement, and community.
Work on a big project or just get in the flow with daily writing prompts and virtual check-ins with a community of other writers.
Friday-Sunday, Jan. 24-26. Beginning Friday at 4 p.m. US Eastern Time through Sunday at 4:30 p.m. US Eastern Time.
Early Bird Special when you register by Nov. 15: Get 20% off PLUS you’ll get a free book (by me) of your choosing (for mailing in the US—or an ebook as available for those outside the US)
If you enjoyed this newsletter, I think you’ll also enjoy my other online publication: The Life of H: Sarah, Reimagined.
When you become a paid subscriber to either of my newsletters, you’ll have the opportunity to receive the benefits of a paid subscription to the 2nd newsletter at no additional cost.
