Recounting Blessings from a Reluctant Heart Improves My Mood

Ever have a week where you are reluctantly grateful? That’s where I am at this week. Nothing really bad has happened. No major disappointments. There have just been little things nibbling at my joy.

If I let these events, people and thoughts continue to steal my joy, then I know what will happen. First I’ll become discontent, then grouchy and finally depressed. That’s not going to happen. I’ve worked too hard to get out of major depression.

Here’s my 5 step plan to smash those joy stealers.

1. Link up with Susanne’s Friday’s Fave Five. I wasn’t going to write out a blessing list this week. I was going to let my feelings dictate my actions. Skipping one week won’t hurt. But then I remembered a conversation my Wednesday night small group had about us sharing our blessings this week on Facebook and/or blogs. And I also remembered the faithful group of ladies besides Susanne (like Brenda from Brendas-blog, Laura from Outnumbered Mom, Kathie from A Sparrow’s Home, Faith from Gold in the Clouds, Willow  from Willow’s Cottage, and Nikki from Nikkipolani) who link up regularly. I feel like I know them. I am grateful for accountability and the faithful example of others. 

2. Rethink my fitness plan. This week my physical therapist told me he’d done all he could for me. Unfortunately I still have a way to go range-of-motion-wise and it looks like where I’m at now is forever. At first I was okay. Now I am down-in-the dumps with this news. Today I have decided I need to make new fitness goals, ones that are barely out-of-reach (literally). I have 2 more weeks of the dynasplint and if I stay faithful to using it, I will see more progress. Progress is what I need to aim for not 100% stretching ability. I am grateful for small increments of progress.

3. Start something new. I love the energy, new thoughts, and countless possibilities that starting a new project brings. I have wanted to do a women’s short-term mission trip for a while. This week details were nailed down, a date set, my pastor gave his approval, and it looks like a GO! I am grateful for the opportunity to show others that Jesus makes a difference in my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to do this with a group of awesome women. And I am grateful that Jesus uses me in His work despite my failings.

4. Create. It has been many months since I’ve done anything creative. I am not an artist nor is my work the most beautiful. But doing the work soothes me. So on my day off I am going to do something creative. I have a couple of ideas. It will be fun to see which one(s) pans out. I am grateful that being creative helps restore me when I feel unbalanced.

5. Extra time in the Word. I have been busy preparing for my Wednesday night group and studying several other potential studies for the Fall. My time with God has been more “professional” this past week. I was searching for answers for others. This week I will intentionally keep my time personal. And I will use some of my free time to just read my Bible. No agenda. No note-taking. Just read and see what God says to me. I am grateful that the Word changes me especially when what I do doesn’t make a difference. I am grateful that God wants to spend time with me even after I’ve been an absentee  friend.

Following this 5 step plan is sure to bring more joy into my heart and gratitude pouring out of my heart and into my thinking and actions!

Your Turn . . . What do you do to smash the joy killers in your life? Please share some of your blessings with us.

Related Post . . . Using Your Name to Spell Gratitude