Celebrating GratiTuesday all day here, doncha’ know. Truth be told, my calendar is set for a daily holiday gratitude practice for the next nearly two weeks! Why? Well, today marks Day One of my annual Twelve Days of Gratitude Celebration. Why? Well, it is a useful way I have found to slow down for a bit of self care during what is often a hectic time of year.

While I don’t remember the origin of this celebration in my life – where did it come from, or did I make it up? – it is somewhat similar to the traditional “Twelve Days of Christmas”, which usually runs from December 25th through January 5th, in that it is a count-down to a holiday. Contrarily, I suppose one could say that this Twelve Days of Gratitude is kind of a run-up to Christmas.

I realize that not everyone marks the 25th of December as a holiday. Certainly our family tradition for this calendar date is more about family than holy-days. Besides who says this practice must be used to count down to a holiday. One could count down to a birthday or anniversary of some kind, any kind. For goodness sake, we might even start or end each month with Twelve Days of Gratitude. Why not?!!!

Consider the twelve prompts below. In addition, consider interpreting each prompt in your own way. As well, you might consider coming up with your own set of twelve prompts. Finally, consider revisiting Twelve Days of Gratitude often throughout the coming year.

• The First Day of Gratitude – Start a Gratitude Journal
• The Second Day of Gratitude – Be thankful for all you have
• The Third Day of Gratitude – Be content with who you are
• The Fourth Day of Gratitude – Be grateful for those around you
• The Fifth Day of Gratitude – Model gratitude to your children
• The Sixth Day of Gratitude – Be generous to a stranger
• The Seventh Day of Gratitude – Be kind to someone in need
• The Eighth Day of Gratitude – Count the blessings of your good health
• The Ninth Day of Gratitude – Hug a far-away-friend with a call, text, email, tweet
• The Tenth Day of Gratitude – Remember those who support you
• The Eleventh Day of Gratitude – Reflect on the past year’s ‘little victories’
• The Twelfth Day of Gratitude – Be present

I AM so happy and grateful for Twelve Days of Gratitude.”

As always, each Tuesday we invite one another to express one thing – in the comments field – for which We are grateful, and/or Share that sentiment as a post on your favorite social media site. It needn’t be lofty and can certainly reflect something we usually take for granted. I’ll go first… I AM so happy and grateful Twelve Days of Gratitude. Now your turn. I AM so happy and grateful now that/for: ______________________________________________________________________

#laurelblossomyoga #lbyofficewellness #corporateyoga #employeewellness #virtual #onsite #meditation #employeeengagement #talentretention #corporateculture #gratitude #gratituesday #holidayseason #gratitudeandselfcare #selfcare #holidayselfcare #12daysofgratitude

My gift to you this first GratiTuesday in December, calendar year 2023, is not a partridge in a pear tree. It is a bit early for partridges just yet. The Twelve Days of Christmas do not launch until December 25th. So, no birds for you today. At least no birds from me to you this day.

This holiday season, instead of feathered gifts, I offer you Self Care by way of Gratitude. Believe it or not, gratitude is an essential component of effective self care. It is now established scientific fact practicing gratitude on a regular basis boosts physical, mental and emotional well being.

Over the past few years I have led a number of Self Care Workshops for corporate clients as well as our laurel blossom yoga community. Without fail, gratitude is present across all five spheres of the holistic self care covered in these workshops:

1. 1. 1. Health – physical/mental/emotional
      2. Balance – personal/professional
      3. Community Connections
      4. Intellectual Engagement/Creative Expression
      5. ME Time

My gift to you this holiday season is Self Care by way of Gratitude.”

For example, many people find the holiday season particularly stressful. Amidst the flurry of celebratory preparations, parties and presents, it is easy to drop the ME Time ball. Hence my gift to you… this subtle reminder to remember You; pause to appreciate yourself. Follow these four simple steps below for a quick personal reconnect with ME Time Self Care:

1. 1. 1. Listen… with your heart alone
      2. Be present – how are you really?
      3. Be sure to serve yourself first
      4. Be kind & gentle

As always, each Tuesday we invite one another to express one thing – in the comments field – for which We are grateful, and/or Share that sentiment as a post on your favorite social media site. It needn’t be lofty and can certainly reflect something we usually take for granted. I’ll go first… I AM so happy and grateful the gift of self care. Now your turn. I AM so happy and grateful now that/for: __________________________________________________________________________________

#laurelblossomyoga #lbyofficewellness #corporateyoga #employeewellness #virtual #onsite #meditation #employeeengagement #talentretention #corporateculture #gratitude #gratituesday #holidayseason #gratitudeandselfcare #selfcare #holidayselfcare