What would it be like to go through your day intentionally looking for experiences that you’re grateful for? Looking for the sweet little moments that might have gone unnoticed had you not been on the lookout for them?
Well I can tell you from experience that having a gratitude practice has allowed me to appreciate and celebrate moments big and small in my own life, and it’s honestly changed the way I go about my day.
More on that in a minute, because I’m also thrilled to share with you that we have our very first guest on the show, my husband Dennis! Together we talk all things gratitude, in particular how we started a couples gratitude practice over a year ago, the nuts and bolts of how we complete it each and every day, and what our biggest takeaways have been so far.
True to form, I tear up at one point…but that’s not surprising because I usually well up with happy tears at least once a week during this practice. What can I say, having kids turned me into a happy tear machine.
So pour yourself a cup of coffee, and Let’s go.
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Thank you to everyone who’s taken the time to rate the podcast! I’d love to feature your reviews in a future episode, so if you’re finding the show adds quality to your day I’d be so appreciative if you’d take a minute to rate, review, and subscribe to the show right now. And as a thank you, if your review is read aloud on the show, your next cup of coffee is on me!
Let’s Chat Gratitude
This week on the podcast my husband, Dennis, and I discuss the gratitude practice that’s enhanced our joy and deepened our relationship. It’s something that started as a weeklong challenge over a year ago that we enjoyed so much that it’s continued to this day…and it takes less than 10 minutes!
Every night before bed we turn to each other and say, “Today I’m grateful to you for,” and then state something that the other did or said since our last practice that we appreciated. We follow that up with, “And in general, today I’m grateful for,” and then we share something unrelated to the other person that was special from the day.
The important thing to remember is that your gratitude practice could be about things big or small, but most important of all is that you give the other person your undivided attention. Tune into this week’s episode, Our Couples Gratitude Practice That’s Changed Everything, to hear us share that day’s actual practice as an example for you to follow.
If you’re inspired to start your own gratitude practice, then I’ve got your back. Grab your Gratitude Practice Guide to get started today! Then tag us on Instagram @livebydesignpodcast to share how the practice has impacted your life too.
And if you’re wondering why this week’s intro is a little different than normal, listen to the very end of the episode for some hysterical outtakes!
Joyful Corner
This week I’m grateful to my dear friend Dawn, for a spirit-lifting socially distanced picnic as well as a few gifts she brought along. In particular, this beautiful set of Tibetan Prayer flags. You’ve probably seen them before in movies or photos of the Himalayas (or in person! I’d love to see your pics, if so!), and according to Wikipedia, “Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to gods, which is a common misconception; rather, the Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all.”
Which is why you’ll find our prayer flags hung in our breezeway…where it’s well…breezy! When I see our flags throughout the day I smile thinking of all the good will and compassion being spread throughout our neighborhood. And nowadays, I feel like a little good goes a long way!
Feeling inspired to fly your own prayer flags? You can find ones similar to ours here, and just remember that they’re considered sacred, so keep these beauties off the ground.
Listener Voicemail
A huge shout out to Lyndsey “Pie” McCormick from Philadelphia, PA for this week’s Listener Voicemail! This week Pie shared how she’s cultivating joy through creating music, cooking, and bike riding through the streets of Philly. Connect with Lyndsey on Instagram and check out her IG story highlight called “QuaranTunes,” to add a little musical joy to your day!
I’d love to share how you’re cultivating joy in your own life too. Record a voice memo on your phone or computer and email it to me at podcast@mskatehouse.com to be featured in a future episode.
Mentioned in the Episode
Was there something mentioned in the episode that you’d like to know more about? I’ve rounded them up below, but if I missed anything shoot me an email at podcast@mskatehouse.com and I’ll be sure to help you out!
Next Week on The Live by Design Podcast
We’ll be talking about having goals (crazy big ones!), how to set them, ways to keep yourself accountable, and how keeping a Start Today Journal and creating a Vision Board have helped me crush three big goals recently. Tune in to find out what they are. Here’s a hint…the podcast could be one of them!
