Romanticize 7: Every Day Gratitude
A new way to give thanks.
I won’t get too deep into the glorification of colonialism, genocide, and cultural appropriation that is Thanksgiving—the holiday is so ingrained in American culture that it’s almost impossible to avoid. But that doesn’t mean one should be complicit—there are ways to mark the day so as not to do continued harm. For me, that means donating to Indigenous organizations (my favorites are Landback, Native American Rights Fund, and National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center) and underscoring one of the big themes of the holiday: gratitude.
Because I’m often alone during the holidays (and I love it!) I’ve come up with twists on the usual group traditions. Among them: the popular let’s-go-around-the-table-and-each-say-what-we’re-thankful-for Thanksgiving ritual. Because gratitude is best practiced every day, not just on holidays, my version facilitates this, as well. It’s a lovely exercise to partake in alone or with others. So, without further ado—on to today’s Romanticize!
The Romanticize
Create a gratitude card to display in your home.
The Advice
The idea is to write “thank you” over and over on a card or piece of paper until it’s filled, then leave it somewhere in your home where you’ll see it every day. Each time you pass it, name something (out loud or in your head) that you’re thankful for. Eventually, you’ll find that, even without the card to remind you, your attention will be drawn to things that you’re thankful for and your days will be filled with gratitude. Which will, in turn, attract more things for you to be grateful for!
You can write on anything—pretty stationery, an index card, a piece of colorful paper, a post-it note, etc. Fold or cut it into a fun shape, if you want, decorate it with doodles or stickers. Whatever will make you smile when you look at it!
Ditto that re: the writing implement you use. Pen, pencil, paint, metallics, colors, black, gel, ink…grab what calls to you!
Make a little ritual of the experience. If you’re alone, sit somewhere cozy and light a candle or put on soft music. Maybe prepare yourself some tea, hot cocoa, or spiced cider. And every time you write “thank you” think of something you’re thankful for. It doesn’t have to be anything big—fresh air, clean water, and the implement you’re writing with all count!
The Inspiration
I chose a standard 3x5 index card because I use them constantly for novel outlining and they’ve come to represent a practice that I love and a career I aspire to. And then, a pretty gold gel pen that I use only on special occasions (this counts!) I sat next to my wood stove in the kitchen and made a piping cup of tea (called Queen of the Harvest—how fittingly romantic!)
As I wrote, I thought of all the things that I’m deeply grateful for. Among them: the stove bringing me warmth and the wood within it, the delicious beverage I was sipping, the pen and card I was using, the cozy alpaca socks I was wearing (and the dear local alpacas that donated their wool to make them!), my friends, my sister, my sweet little cottage, the garden out back, the beautiful fields surrounding my house, the old barn on the property with its hand-hewn beams, the sunshine for making the splendid fall day sparkle. And, of course, I’m grateful for all of you, my readers and supporters.
I placed the card on the bookshelf just to the right of the door between my living room and kitchen, so I’ll be sure to see it many times every day.
I’d love to know the results of your romanticize—feel free to share your experience in the comments, or tag me on Instagram. Until next Wednesday, fellow romantics!