Find your good stuff
Good morning, and welcome back to the table.
Have you noticed how easy it is to focus on what’s going wrong?
One frustrating moment turns into a frustrating day. One worry leads to another. And before we know it, we’re giving all our attention to the things that drain us.
But what if we made a little more room for the good stuff?
The small wins. The everyday comforts. The people who make us laugh. The moments we might otherwise rush right past.
Today, we’re talking about a simple mindset shift that can bring a little more calm, joy, and gratitude into your week. And, of course, there’s plenty of family fun on the table, too!
Let’s gather.
It’s simple to set up, fun for all ages, and a great way to get everyone laughing. (15,000+ readers have loved these fun “roll” games this year)
TABLE WISDOM
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.”
— Cicero
It’s a fun way to test what everyone knows, learn something new, and discover who has a few surprising facts tucked away.
Don’t Miss Out on the Best Laughs! These Games Are Unforgettable
Keep the laughter (and leftovers) flowing with games that are perfect for breaking the ice and making memories.
Free 30 Day Gratitude Challenge to Feel More Joy in Your Days
It’s 30 days of easy, doable actions that make you feel amazing. After all, November is the BEST time to uncover your hidden blessings. There’s a calendar at the end of the post too 🙂
CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK
Notice your blessings this week!
Recently, I found myself fixated on the negativity in my life and the world at large.
Why is there so much of it lately?
Even little things that normally don’t bother me started taking up space in my mind. And the more attention I gave them, the bigger they seemed.
I noticed it affecting my focus, my patience with my kids, and even my ability to make a positive difference in the world around me.
So I decided to make a change.
I sat down and intentionally focused on my good stuff.
And here’s what I realized: We don’t have to look far to find it.
The good stuff is…
- The everyday things going well. The routines, comforts, and people that make life a little easier.
- The things we take for granted. Like running water, electricity, a warm bed, and food in the fridge.
- The small wins. Even when you’re struggling, you’re learning, growing, and figuring things out.
- The simple pleasures. A smile, a cup of tea, a beautiful sunset, or a few quiet minutes.
- The opportunities hidden in challenges. Not every hard thing is good, but sometimes we discover strength we didn’t know we had.
That’s what gratitude is about. Not pretending everything is wonderful, but remembering that the hard things aren’t the whole story.
We can’t control everything happening around us. But we can be intentional about where we place our attention.
And often, when we start noticing the good, a little more light finds its way in.
Your challenge: Each day this week, write down three pieces of your good stuff. Big or small. Just notice them.
P.S. Research backs this up! In a study by psychologists Emmons and McCullough, people who regularly wrote down things they were grateful for reported greater well-being and more positive feelings than those who focused on daily hassles.
AFFIRMATION OF THE WEEK
I notice my many blessings.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What are you giving the most attention to?
Our attention is valuable. Whatever we keep looking for tends to take up more space in our minds.
SOMETHING TO CHEW ON
I have two hands, but I cannot scratch myself. What am I?
See the riddle answer at the end of this email!
TABLE TALK
Teachers everywhere the Monday after Halloween:
“I don’t know how much candy you had, but you’re at a 10, and I’m gonna need you at a 3.”
Riddle answer: A clock
Thank you for pulling up a chair and being part of the table.
I hope today’s edition gave you a little inspiration and a reason to smile.
Remember: the good stuff is already there. You just have to notice it.
If you have anything at all you’d like to share, ask, or say, just hit reply. I’d love to hear from you.
I appreciate you!
See you tomorrow,
Jenn Kropf
Founder of Healthy Happy Impactful