Glimmers of Gratitude? They're Everywhere
Lately, I've been noticing a trend on the web – what they call "glimmers of gratitude." According to Webster's dictionary, "glimmer" can mean a hint or a spark, a subdued shining or an inkling. According to psychologists, it describes the opposite of a "trigger." A glimmer is a brush with gratitude that elevates the mood and provides a sense of calm.
I like the idea that gratitude can be expressed and experienced without shopping, attaching a gift tag or even saying a word. It's just readily available to those who pay attention. Let's do that this season! Gratitude can be prompted by a ringing bell in a grocery store parking lot; a bit of sunlight coming through the window after four days of rain; a warm good morning from a colleague; or holiday decorations at work.
This season, when we're all bustling at 100 miles an hour, looking for that one special gift (for my granddaughter that would be a Barbie pony no longer available on Amazon). If we stop rushing and look for the light, we'll find glimmers of gratitude everywhere. Have you noticed how bringing joy to someone else can actually fill your own bucket? It takes just a minute or two to share the joy.
As the new year approaches, this is the time to ask ourselves: "What do I want to take with me into 2025? And what do I want to leave behind?" We can't fix yesterday, but glimmers of gratitude can reorient us to positive feelings of connection, abundance and good fortune.
