Gratitude lists never worked for me either which led me to change a tradition that I began in 2020. Starting January 1, 2020, I wrote a memory from that day on a sticky note and dropped it in a jar. I did that for all 365 days of the year. The first week of 2021, I read all those sticky notes (it seriously takes several days to get through them all), and it would assist me to reflect on little moment that I had forgotten.
Last year on January 1, 2024, I changed what I wrote on the sticky note, and instead of a memory, I wrote something I was grateful for that day. It might have been something as simple as my cat purring in my lap to something big like a pep talk from a friend. I have not yet read those grateful moments from 2024, but plan to do so this weekend. I think this will very much guide me in my focus for 2025.
Melissa, thank you so much for sharing this. It's creative, specific, and also flexible -- all characteristics of a great ritual. I would love to share it in a future letter, and credit you. Would you be okay with that?
Yes, please feel free to share it! My adult son started this ritual as well, and when I have friends visit, they often will write a memory and drop it in my jar. It is really special to find their notes when I am reading my own.
Thank you for sharing this thoughtful and comforting perspective as we step into the new year. I love the idea of January as a 'rest & reset' month—such a refreshing alternative to the pressure of resolutions. Reflecting on what guided me in the past year and leaning into gratitude feels like such a grounding way to start 2025. Here’s to giving ourselves grace and celebrating how far we’ve come! ❤️
Gratitude lists never worked for me either which led me to change a tradition that I began in 2020. Starting January 1, 2020, I wrote a memory from that day on a sticky note and dropped it in a jar. I did that for all 365 days of the year. The first week of 2021, I read all those sticky notes (it seriously takes several days to get through them all), and it would assist me to reflect on little moment that I had forgotten.
Last year on January 1, 2024, I changed what I wrote on the sticky note, and instead of a memory, I wrote something I was grateful for that day. It might have been something as simple as my cat purring in my lap to something big like a pep talk from a friend. I have not yet read those grateful moments from 2024, but plan to do so this weekend. I think this will very much guide me in my focus for 2025.
Melissa, thank you so much for sharing this. It's creative, specific, and also flexible -- all characteristics of a great ritual. I would love to share it in a future letter, and credit you. Would you be okay with that?
Yes, please feel free to share it! My adult son started this ritual as well, and when I have friends visit, they often will write a memory and drop it in my jar. It is really special to find their notes when I am reading my own.
Thank you for sharing this thoughtful and comforting perspective as we step into the new year. I love the idea of January as a 'rest & reset' month—such a refreshing alternative to the pressure of resolutions. Reflecting on what guided me in the past year and leaning into gratitude feels like such a grounding way to start 2025. Here’s to giving ourselves grace and celebrating how far we’ve come! ❤️