I want to make this simple and straightforward.
In my opinion, I’m not thankful enough. I take life for granted. I don’t always appreciate what’s been given to me – whether it be through hard work or circumstance. For these reasons, I’d like to change.
The project is simple. I’m going to use my personal blog, Christian Hollingsworth, and write about something I’m thankful for every day for ten days. A simple manifesto of sorts showing myself and the world that I seek to become a more thankful individual.
I don’t want to force you into something not needed; so join me if you’d like. If you feel the need, you might even tweet the project.
Blogging is an emotional art – your heart being its driving medium.
Let’s keep this simple….and be more thankful.
The beautiful sunset photo was captured by Lozula who blogs at Finding the Universe. Be sure to check out his incredible photography.
Related Posts:
Tweet
Loading ...
"You’re such a smart boy!" were his first accolades heard. So, it’s no wonder that this phrase became the title of his business, Smart Boy Designs.
Read more about Christian 
{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }
I love and fully support the practice of being thankful every day.
Gratitude has become an important practice in my well being- just as much as eating and sleeping! I mention gratitude often in my blog and just recently wrote an entire post about gratitude (linked below).
Best wishes to you on your journey to a thankful life!
Chrysta Bairre recently posted..Get Gratitude: 3 Simple Steps for Living
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 22, 2011 at 10:51 am
Thank you for your full support of being thankful Chrysta. It seems that it’s one of those things that we can never fully understand or perfect in this life. Can we? I don’t think so. You can never be too grateful.
And I’ll check out your blog post. Thank you for linking to it. And thank you for stopping by. I’m honored!
Twitter: connectyou
August 22, 2011 at 8:16 am
Christian,
Excellent!
This reminded me of your post “178 Days.” (How will we go from this point?)
Here, you’re doing a bit of rejuvenation. Like a mini-refresh on life.
While I think you are more appreciative and well-meaning than many, my hats off to you for making the most and following your conscious!!
~Keri
Keri recently posted..Google+: Yes, You Do Need Another Social Network!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 22, 2011 at 10:54 am
Oh yes. 178 days. The time keeps counting down, no doesn’t it? How have things changed since that post? Where are you at now? Looking good on your goals for the year. Mine seem to be coming along, but I’m pushing through this final stretch it seems.
I do feel like I’m thankful, but I just feel there’s this untapped ability to share it more. With greater emphasis. Do you ever have that feeling? Where you just feel there’s something within waiting to be unleashed. Well, I Know you have. You’ve accomplished such things to show the fact that you’ve felt a similar feeling.
Twitter: connectyou
August 22, 2011 at 3:41 pm
Christian,
I’d have to say that it’s steady-as-she-goes. Things are moving, at an expected pace.
And, similar to you, I feel things are aligning so that soon, things will just….unleash, as you say. For me, after sculpting and polishing for quite a time.
If I might share something that took some time for me to learn…
Everyone can always be more observant, more thankful, more…a lot of things. As long as we’re continually pushing – positively – things will always come.
Accomplished? Heck – I’m just this girl that hangs out in Ohio!
~Keri
Keri recently posted..Google+: Yes, You Do Need Another Social Network!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 22, 2011 at 5:29 pm
Thank you for that thought Keri. It’s always nice to have that reassurance of time. To know that things progressively get better – and that firm believe to stand rooted upon.
I guess it’s just the young blood that gets fired up within me sometimes.
Twitter: vitalyvt
August 22, 2011 at 12:30 pm
“Blogging is an emotional art” – that’s pretty cool way of looking at it. Great idea, and awesome follow through on self realization movement of being thankful.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 22, 2011 at 12:53 pm
Thank you Vitaly. Glad to have you on board and for your support. It makes it easier to follow through when you’ve got friends who more than likely are going to check up on you.
I love how this idea and I’ve been thinking about doing something like this. Run to the Finish, one of my favorite bloggers, always posts things she is thankful for at the end of each post.
It’s the written equivalent of smiling so you can feel better.
Laura recently posted..The single call to a doctor could help you save money and time
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 22, 2011 at 1:56 pm
Love that idea of posting things you’re thankful for at the end of posts. I might have to check out her blog sometime. That’s just wonderful!
Written form of smiling. Love that.
You know.. I have those acquaintances who are always talking about the future. When I get this, when I get that promotion, when I get married, when I get the iPhone 5. They place their happiness in the future.
I try and place it in the present. Because, happiness only lies in the moment you are in. And if you are thankful for that moment, you (or at least I) find peace.
Very nice idea Christian.
Laurinda Shaver recently posted..My assumptions questioned. Daily.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 22, 2011 at 2:34 pm
I too find peace in the moment Laurinda. If we’re always looking towards the future – what type of happiness are we going to find? Seems a sad way to live. I find peace in the moment too. It’s a mixture it seems.
I think that’s why the 4 Hour Workweek book resonates so well with me. It’s a book about now. He talks about how almost all people work for this grand retirement in the future – for their ENTIRE lives….and then they’re old and can’t enjoy it as much. I hate that!
Christian:
I think this is a great idea. Too often, we forget to be thankful and spend too much time and energy focusing on negatives in life, rather than appreciating what we have going for ourselves. Good luck with the project!
John Corcoran recently posted..Top 20 People to Follow on Twitter for Small Business Advice
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 22, 2011 at 2:37 pm
Thank you for sharing your take on the project. Man, the negatives in life are too many. Why focus on them!? That’s just no good way to live life. It’s too short. It goes by too quickly. We don’t want to live in such a way!
Twitter: adriennesmith40
August 22, 2011 at 4:31 pm
Christian, Christian, Christian… My oh my young man. I’m shocked to hear that you of all people take life for granted. The Christian Hollingsworth that I know is very grateful for everything that he has and is still to come. But I will applaud you for taking this on anyway because if you can encourage just one person to do the same, if will benefit them greatly.
For me, it’s easy. That’s how I start each and every day and I just run down my very long list. Want a copy?
I’m with you my friend, all the way.
Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..Interview, Guest Post, Podcast, Oh My!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 22, 2011 at 5:32 pm
I surely don’t take all of life for granted, but it’s the little things that I’d like to appreciate more and SHOW for it. I think there’s a fine line between “accepting” the things we have in our life and being grateful, and SHOWING that we’re grateful. Especially to those around us. The people. They matter a whole lot.
And yes…I’d love to see that list sometime.
Thankfulness can be so motivating. It provides so much positive energy that brings joy and happiness into your life. You start to see even the difficult situations in a more positive light, especially when you start your day with gratitude. Great project, looking forward to reading more.
I am most thankful for my family, my beautiful wife and awesome 2 kids.
Jason Spencer recently posted..Triberr is NOT Creating Tribes
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 22, 2011 at 5:55 pm
Starting your day with gratitude, as many have mentioned here – is like picking up an energy drink or coffee. You’re starting off with a high that’s going to last.
I love how some of the things you’re most thankful for go back to your family. That’s wonderful.
I like what you’re doing! Reminds me I should be writing in my gratitude journal regularly again. I did for 30 days or so but stopped. Will pick it back up starting tomorrow!!
Benny recently posted..My $4,739 Weekend and 11 Lessons To Help You
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 23, 2011 at 11:17 am
The gratitude journal. I remember that, Benny. You sure should. It’s probably something we could be working on every day (and writing everyday) so it would be fantastic to make it a habit.
So, it’s tomorrow. Did you pick it back up?
Another great post, Christian. Much of the blogosphere is critical and negative, so your Thankfulness Project is a breath of fresh air.
I’m intrigued that so many commenters have said they aim for a moment of focused thankfulness at the beginning of the day. For me, it’s just the opposite: I love to lie in bed at night, running through the list of all I’m thankful for. It helps to drive out the worries and petty concerns that tend to accumulate in my throughout the day. A few moments of thankfulness, and I sleep like a baby!
Robert Jones recently posted..Turn your rules into marketing tools
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 23, 2011 at 11:19 am
I agree. The blogosphere can quickly get into a negative rut/routine, and I don’t like that so much. There’s too much of it. Yes, we can all have opinions – but each blog is his/her own.
Using your method would be a great way to battle insomnia, and sleep more peacefully I would assume for a LOT of people. That’s just fantastic! It’s interesting how a positive outlook on life even has the ability to affect our bodies physically.
Absolutely love this Christian. This is Great. I agree with you totally and will be following you on your journey.
I have recently started The CARE Movement, wrote an article on “Attitude of Gratitude” and have started #gratitudemonday on twitter. Facebook next ? I say, let’s keep it going. We really need this today, with all the negativity going on. Focusing on being grateful and what we are thankful for, is a good way to change our mindset.
Thanks again for doing this and making it personal. If we take responsibilty as individuals, we CAN and WILL make a difference.
Please share any other ideas or thoughts on this and feel free to contact me.
Congratulations and Thank YOU !
Al
Al Smith recently posted..Attitude of Gratitude: What a week!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 23, 2011 at 11:31 am
Hey Al! Thank you for the making the effort to comment. I appreciate it. Will be heading over to your blog shortly to check it out.
And yes, you are so right. There’s just too much negativity. I was talking a lot about this the other day. In regards to the US Economy. When we start to talk negativily about the economy, it will feed itself. We’ll get scared, become less motivated, not work as hard – and spiral on downwards. It’s an awful cycle to get stuck in.
If, however, we find that way to be grateful and happy – and realize that we’re incredible lucky/blessed and given so much, then we can bring ourselves into that state of thankfulness.
Love it Al. Thank you.
Christian
You are right. I heard this awhile back and it is so true:
“We become what we think about.” Focus on the Positive and think Positive thoughts, be optimistic and look for the good in life and in people and you will surely find it.
One more and I’m done: “Don’t live in the wreckage of the future”
Thanks again, Christian.
Al Smith recently posted..Attitude of Gratitude: What a week!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 23, 2011 at 2:20 pm
Love those quotes Al. So great! Your profile avatar goes right along with everything you say. Smile, and be happy!
Hi Christian! Thankfulness and gratitude is something to incorporate every day! You are so right – we all need a lot more of that and I would add less entitlement attitude, less whining etc. At 64, I wake up each day grateful that I DID! I let that attitude of gratitude accelerate as the day goes on. Stuff may come up that is so not what I wanted or needed at that moment but it gets easier not to let it get to me if I am centered – and thankfulness does that!
Hugs
suZen
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 23, 2011 at 11:34 am
That’s one of the greatest items we can be grateful for, I believe. The gratitude of life. Maybe I’ll use that to write about one of the days in the gratitude project.
I love how, at 64, you are able to remember the important things. To wake up each day, be grateful, and be an inspiration. I just love that. I sure hope to be that way when I’m your age also.
You mention being centered. That’s important too. A whole lot comes into our lives daily (good and bad) and we’ve got to be balanced, right? Otherwise – we’re going to fall quick!
Christian,
Great stuff. By why stop at 10 days? Make it a 30 day challenge at least
I’ve been thinking of writing to someone (maybe even by hand – shock, horror!) I am thankful to as my next 30 day challenge (I do one every month now since turning 30).
Cheers,
Chris
Chris Stott recently posted..How Speed Influences Your Digital Creation
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 23, 2011 at 11:35 am
I think you’re right Chris. 30 days would be much better. I expect it will turn into something longer anyways.
Love the thoughts on writing someone. After reading 365 Thank Yous, I was writing a thank you card to someone daily for a month – and you’ve inspired/reminded me to do so again. I’m going to start that back up. I found a lot of joy in doing so.
Thanks for stopping by Chris!
Twitter: berget
August 23, 2011 at 2:44 pm
Hey Christian,
That’s an awesome project. At first I thought, wow 10 days, how on earth are you going to accomplish that? But, thinking about it, it might not be that hard. The problem is usually that we don’t think about it, we just keep on running in a very fast pace and we continue without ever looking back and see all the people who are supporting us.
This is great. I’m going to follow your project and learn a thing or two
Jens
Jens P. Berget recently posted..How to Focus on Writing When Your Cat is Peeing on the Kitchen Table
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 23, 2011 at 3:50 pm
I think the best part is that it will help me to be thankful for the things I don’t often think about. The small, beautiful things in life.
Are you going to join me? Will you write about something you’re thankful for each day?
I love this! It hit so close to home for me. I need to quit focusing on the bad things in life and realize how many great things I have around me. Thank you for sharing!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 23, 2011 at 3:52 pm
You’re welcome. Thank you for listening, for reading, and for sharing your feedback. We all do it, focus on the bad, because we’re humans. Now it’s just time we lift up our eyes and focus on the good!
Christian, I love this! Gratitude really is one of the keys to having everything you want in life. I keep a gratitude journal myself. It has made a significant and positive difference in my life. Looking forward to keeping up with yours!
Angela Atkinson recently posted..Is Beauty An Inside Or An Outside Job?
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 24, 2011 at 12:35 pm
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on the topic Angela. How long have you been keeping your gratitude journal? What have you noticed as the “evolution” within? Would love to hear your thoughts.
I’ve been keeping it for about two years. As for the evolution within, it began almost immediately. I am more aware of my thoughts and feelings and more often feel gratitude for the things, people and situations in my life. As a result, life is generally better. It all starts with perception–and when you can keep yourself in a positive state of mind more often than not, you end up drawing more good things into your life. That’s how it’s working for me, anyway! Can’t wait to see how it works out for you.
Angela Atkinson recently posted..Is Beauty An Inside Or An Outside Job?
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 24, 2011 at 1:18 pm
I can feel a difference already. Honestly. It’s been only three days, and I find a happier outlook on life. It’s incredible.
So grateful that you’ve shared your thoughts with me too. It’s exciting to hear about it all and what I might look forward to. I’ve generally been a very positive person – but I want everything to be amplified!
Hi Christian,
Love, Love, Love this idea! I think I’ll do the same (possibly on my posterous). Thanks for Sharing!
Just to add one thing I am Thankful for …. finding inspiring blog posts like this one.
#Gratitudeღ
~ Misty ~ @Mysticle
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 25, 2011 at 1:03 am
I’m glad you found your way here Misty. And thank you for taking the time out of your day to write a special little comment. #gratitude
Excited to see what you’ll be doing for your gratitude project. This could be rather exciting!
Hi Christian,
For about the last year, I have been tweeting everyday on what I am thankful for. At first I had to think about what I was thankful for, but shortly after starting, I became so much more aware of all the wonderful people in my life and how they have influenced me both professionally and personally. I now take the time to let them know how important they are. So everyday I tweet about the great thankfulness in my life.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 25, 2011 at 10:08 am
I love how showing just a bit more gratitude in your life through tweeting – happened to cause such a great and lasting change in your life. That shows the true power and miracle of thankfulness!
What a wonderful opportunity for all of us to slow down, reflect and be thankful. Earlier this year, I wrote about what gives me hope: http://bit.ly/pdlusa. Hope goes hand in hand with being thankful.
Marialice B.F.X. Curran recently posted..What did you learn over summer vacation?
Twitter: smartboydesigns
August 25, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Thank you for sharing Marialice. I’ll go check that post out now!
Being thankful is easy if we just take a look around us. Let’s not forget there are a lot of people without a job, a home, or even food.
Even being able to sleep in a bed is something unachievable for some.
Richard recently posted..How to Setup the Paint Zoom Sprayer and How to Prepare the Material for Your Paint Zoom
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 25, 2011 at 4:04 am
So very true Richard. A lot of things to think about, ponder and be thankful for. Thank you for the reminder.
Twitter: girlygrizzly
October 7, 2011 at 7:28 pm
Christian,
Hi there! I’m home!! I am going through all the hundreds of emails that accumulated throughout the Fall Season that I missed and I am so glad I found this one. What an incredibly beautiful manifesto.
We forget to put it into words, I think Christian, even more than we forget to be… thankful. I am incredibly grateful and thankful for all the blessing that I have seen and felt rain down on me …since I opened my heart. Since I found my way to all of you. Since, I actually started living by almost dieing I guess.
Thanks for this. It’s a great thing, and I believe I’ll make a point to begin as well when I log on in the morning. That should start each day off right!
I’m so glad I’m home!!
~Amber-Lee
Amber-Lee Dibble recently posted..Tough Lessons of 2011 Hunting with Alaska Chick
Twitter: smartboydesigns
October 7, 2011 at 8:38 pm
I’m so happy to hear you’ve had a busy Fall, and enjoying the catch up. There’s a lot to read when you are gone for a season.
I love striving to be more thankful each day. It really helps to give me a better, more positive outlook – and that’s really something I could use more of each and every day.
Glad you’re back.
Christian
I just love your personal blog – the design and the lightness of it. Wonderful…thankful….:-)… and the humor, of course!
Rosanna recently posted..Lights Along Our Path
Twitter: smartboydesigns
October 10, 2011 at 1:38 pm
Well thank you for sharing your thoughts about the personal blog, Rosanna. I don’t really check into the stats of it much, so didn’t even realize anyone was reading it at the moment.
Hopefully you’re not too scared of it. The content comes fast, I can be a little deranged & crazy. lol