Gratitude and Giving Thanks
Rebecca holds a gratitude jar filled with pink notes of gratitude and decorated with a bead bracelet from one of her little learners
I keep a gratitude jar with notes to savor good days and ground me on hard days. Here are some of my favorites:
A concerned grandmother reached out from across the country. We had an amazing consultation, and she sent me this thank you note: "You were a godsend when I needed it most. As a grandparent, I've had growing concerns about my granddaughter's tantrums and her parents' responses. I have been clueless as to whether I should say anything, or what to say if I do. I left the conversation with specific tips, resources, and, most of all, a better understanding of all the dynamics at play in the interactions of parents and children in today's world."
Two of my little learners cheered each other on during snack time. One little learner observed the other struggling to open his food container and narrated his efforts saying “You’re trying really hard! Great idea to try two hands!” Then he belted out “You can do it! Ms. Rebecca believes in you!”
One of my little learner spent much of the morning getting beyond my last nerve. That afternoon he crouched down next to me on the mat in gym class, and whispered “Ms. Becca, I love you.”
My understanding and practice of gratitude is ever evolving. I started with 3 things I was grateful for at the end of the day, and now I savor dozens of moments of gratitude throughout the day and look forward to giving thanks for them during gratitude snuggles with Amos each night.
Here are 3 things that have transformed my understanding and practice of gratitude:
Mindfulness has helped me be present in the moment and get perspective on my thoughts and feelings. I've learned not to believe everything I think and to be aware of how my feelings influence my thoughts. I now give gratitude for being able to stop shame spirals, reframe challenges, and calm overwhelm.
Savoring has helped me magnify the magic in the little things. I now stop to watch rainbow leaves dance from the trees. I take smaller, slower bites of cheesecake to make it last. I experience laughter with my whole body.
Learning about myself and the world have helped me stay curious and translate big ideas into action steps that embody my values. I put my gratitude for education, family, and play into action by advocating for equitable education for learners of ALL abilities, supporting the WHOLE family, and teaching lessons for life using PLAY as a tool for engagement and learning!
In many ways, Learn Play Grow is gratitude in action. I am so proud to have created something that embodies my values and makes a transformational difference. I am so grateful for the opportunity to support little learners, generations of families, and teachers and schools!
From my heart to yours, I hope you have a meaningful season of giving thanks!
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