I’ve been mistaken about gratitude. You’d learn, if you were to read my gratitude journal, that I appreciate yellow fall leaves, green traffic lights, and the texture and taste of Nutella. You’d learn that I love hearing children laugh, watching two people figure out jumper cables, and the smell of freshly mowed grass.

You’d read, too, how I’m eternally, and daily, thankful for my family, friends, and the events that make us fall more in love with each other every day. Except, of course, when we’re not because we’re having an argument about whose turn it is to take out the garbage.

Here’s what happened. What I noticed, and I’m sure you’ve figured it out already, was that my gratitude meter never pointed to me. I hadn’t experienced or expressed appreciation for honoring myself, extending kindness to others, being resourceful performing tasks or solving problems. I realized I felt thankful, but not towards myself.

Self-gratitude matters. It’s important to nurture our strengths and give ourselves credit. So, starting tonight, and for every next night, I’ll express my gratitude to me. Today I’m grateful for walking three miles, what I learned from Maria, and realizing I need to experience and express my gratitude for me. It’ll still be okay to include that my favorite Cars song was playing at Kroger tonight.

I’m curious about what’s in your gratitude journal. And if you haven’t been appreciating yourself, give yourself the pat on the back you deserve. We can do it together.

Warm regards and admiration for all that you do,

JoAnn