Magical Gratitude 28-day Challenge: Day 6 & 7

Hello my lovely readers!

We are going over day 6 and 7 today! Yesterday I went to my fathers house for Christmas, (it went well!) and after grocery shopping I was wiped out! I’m still fighting off a cold, but again, grateful it’s not worse!
So, a quick recap – everyday we are adding 10 items to our gratitude list, and before bed each night we take our rock into our hand and say thank you  – while feeling grateful for the best part of the day. I know I’ve said this every day, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart: Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to read this, and hopefully for following along with me in your copy of The Magic.

Day 6: Works Like Magic

One thing I see often on social media is people complaining about their job, or their small paycheck. I’m on disability – I cannot work. I got my first job when I was 14 years old, and always did well at work, so it grinds my gears to see people taking their work for granted. Byrne says that if you are miserable at your job, the best way to get into a better job is to start being grateful for the job you have.

You should love your job, whatever it is, and be excited about going to work, and you shouldn’t settle for anything less. If you don’t feel that way about your current job, or if it’s not your dream job, the way to receive your dream job is by first being grateful for the job you have.

The Magic, p. 71

Day 6 Exercise

The next day you go to work imagine an invisible manager is following you around, taking notes of everything you’re grateful for. Does your office have good coffee? Do you have a coworker you enjoy talking to?As your “gratitude manager” follows you around during your next shift/the next time you work, have them “take note” – you will cue them to note it down by saying or thinking “I’m grateful for ______” and feel as grateful as possible. It can be anything – if no one took your stapler, the building didn’t get set on fire, that kind of stuff. (Sorry, couldn’t resist the silly Office Space reference).

Day 7: Magical Way Out of Negativity

Byrne states on page 77 that taking things for granted is a “major cause of negativity, because when we take things for granted we are not giving thanks in return, and we stop the magic from happening in our life.” She goes on to explain that being negative is impossible when you’re grateful. I cannot agree more! Since I’ve started practicing gratitude, I’m finally happy! Sure, I’ve had some trying times. There was one time my mother was fretting over a bill I had that came out of nowhere and I remember telling her “Mom, if I’m not stressing, you shouldn’t either. I will take care of it when I can, and since there is nothing I can do right this minute, I am not going to let it ruin my day.” She took a deep breath and tried to relax. I’ve been trying to explain to my mother that my life has turned around because I’m grateful for what I have, and don’t stress over what I don’t. She wonders how I can be living in section 8 (income based) housing, get only $800 a month, and not be stressed. I tell her “it’s simple: My son has a safe, warm home. We have a good routine and a healthy relationship. Neither of us ever go hungry. I have a car in the parking lot, and clothes in my closet. I have cable, and canvases, and craft supplies galore, while my son has an entire room for toys. I have done what is in my power to promote my writing business, and have applied for financial aid and payment plans for bills I cannot pay. What do I have to stress about? I’m happy, my son is happy, my life is great!” and ever since she has been coming to me for advice on what she can do to lead a happier life. It’s why I decided to get ordained through the Universal life Church – because as Reverend Amanda Wilson, I can offer advice to people of all faiths, and hopefully help them. Even if they just feel better talking to me, I’m happy and grateful.

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.

Gautama Buddha, the Founder of Buddhism (Byrne, p.80).

Day 7 Exercise

For today, your task is to choose one problem or negative situation in your life you want to resolve. List 10 things that you are grateful for about the negative situation. At the end of the list, write “Thank you, thank you, thank you, for the perfect resolution.”

For one whole day, try to get through without saying anything negative. If you catch yourself saying or even thinking something negative, stop yourself and say “But I have to say that I am really grateful for _____”
This is sort of how I boosted my self confidence. I started by giving myself one compliment a day, and stopped myself from putting myself down. If I put myself down, I would immediately counter with a compliment. It felt silly at first, but I would make a point to look in the mirror and say the compliment aloud. You get used to talking to yourself, and you finally start internalizing the truths of how great you are.