Things I Refuse to Say #1000gifts #joydare

Today I am thankful for today.

In my journey to being truly grateful, I've resolved not to use negative statements like the following, because when we speak something, it's what we become. There are attitudes and emotions I refuse to inhabit or be ruled by.

There's not enough time in a day!

or

I need more hours in my day!

Nope. Not true. God created our days, and He makes perfect things, therefore, it must be the exact perfect amount.  Why am I trying to do so much?

My dishes are not done today, because I chose to watch TV with my hubs instead. Time with hubby > clean kitchen. #nobrainer I won't devote any time to self-loathing about undone housework.

I can't wait...

...has been replaced with, I'm looking forward to.

I have lots of work to do at the castle over the weekend, but that doesn't mean today isn't important too. Say, perhaps, earn income at my (awesome) job that enables us to keep the lights on at said castle!

It's almost the weekend!

or

It's almost Friday!

I'm definitely determined not to say these words any more. What happened to today? Tuesdays are gifts too! I resolve not to wish my life away by skipping entire chunks of beautiful, usable, glorious, God-ordained days!

Each day gives me 24 hours-worth of moments that are all mine.

By all means, look forward to great plans, but don't miss out on your life today like you're in a Monday through Friday waiting room!

If I'm really, truly unhappy with the events of the day, it's my job (and mine alone) to respond like an adult and make peace with the decisions, activities, plans, and schedule my family has decided on.

We won't get home until after 10 o'clock tonight, because we're choosing to watch our daughter at karate practice. I need to work in the garden this evening--but I'm choosing my daughter over my garden today. If God wills it that all my plants shrivel up and die this season, so be it. My daughter knows I love her more than plants today, and that's a conscious choice, nothing to worry over.

Please be very aware that I'm not trying to convince you that I'm perfect at this. I get frustrated just the same as the next person, but I'm purposefully and deliberately changing my responses--even mid-sentence at times.

The longer I practice, and the more I remember to start my day being grateful, the easier it is to switch from upset mode to nonchalant mode.

Another side effect of this practice is that when I do respond in an unkind manner I'm ever so much more aware of how useless and unnecessary it is to act that way. (And oh-so-very embarrassed as well!)

Today will be a good day, because I choose to recognize it as such.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

Choose to  have a nice day!

--KD