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Do you have a bucket list or a list of goals that you are slowly working to check off? I know I do and if I am being honest, sometimes looking at that list can be a bit daunting. So I want to introduce you to what I call a “reverse bucket list.” The reverse bucket list is a list that will lift your heart and help you to relax. Remember the other day when we talked about how the little blessings make up your One Thousand Gifts? Well this is what I was talking about. About a week ago I finished the book ‘One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are‘ by Ann Voskamp. (My sweet friend Haley recommended it to me and it has been sitting in my “Want to Read Soon” list for over a year- oops. But not anymore!) Ann defines this reverse bucket list as “1000 gifts.” She reminds us “giving thanks is what gets you joy.” It is not making the next step on your bucket list or to do list that makes you happy. We must embrace everyday blessings. As a goal setter myself, I love setting new goals and working to achieve them. While achieving these goals does give me much joy, I have found that I often live in the future. I spend more time dreaming about what is to come then I should and not enough time enjoying the here and now.
Ann reminds us that by expressing gratitude for the life we already have, we discover that our current life is the life we have always wanted. So today take at least 5 minutes and start making a list. Make a list of as many blessings as you can think of- the big, the small, everything. Then take some time to praise the Lord & thank Him for His grace and unconditional love!
Check out her blog, she has some incredible posts!
What blessings did you include on your list?
9 Comments
annabachinsky
May 6, 2013 at 11:38 amSuch a great idea. I’m totally doing this!! :) Thank you for sharing!
beyond blessed
May 6, 2013 at 11:40 amIt really brightens your day! It’s such a blessing to do! :) Have a blessed day!
Nancy Ruegg
May 6, 2013 at 1:06 pmI’m in the midst of reading One Thousand Gifts myself and am LOVING it. I just commented on another blog that Ann’s book has been a Thanksgiving feast for my soul, as she serves up familiar ingredients (like blessings, joy, and grace) in new ways. Her insights deserve to be savored, not just read.
P.S. Thank you for visiting my blog. I’m delighted you found “Unexpected Reward” to be meaningful.
beyond blessed
May 6, 2013 at 1:10 pmCompletely agree! Such inspiring & uplifting words. Love how much she refers to God’s grace. Enjoy the rest of the book! Be blessed :)
Robert Budd
May 7, 2013 at 7:54 amChloe. A great way to start your day is to thank God for 5 things before your feet hit the floor. Helps you to appreciate the here and now. Love you! Dad
beyond blessed
May 7, 2013 at 9:45 amYes sir! Love that! Thank you :) Love you
tbarry1013
May 9, 2013 at 1:34 pmChloe, thank you for this. I have that book and amgoing to dig it out as soon as I make my list.
beyond blessed
May 9, 2013 at 1:35 pmSo glad to hear! Would love to hear your favorite part of the book as you begin reading it or when you finish it! Be blessed!
tbarry1013
May 11, 2013 at 12:19 pmOk. Thank you so much!