Time To Make An Un-Gratitude List!

So it’s that time of year and if you’re like me, you’re exhausted and ready for a holiday.

However, before you head into a week of supposed gratitude, let’s do something different this year: Let’s be UN-grateful first.

And here’s why. Gratitude lists, like you’ve probably heard me say about affirmations, can backfire. If you’re trying to make yourself believe something you just don’t feel, it’s going to have the opposite effect.

“I’m strong and smart and powerful and can do anything!!”

No? Not really buying that on this particular day? 

“I am so grateful for this (stupid endless) job, this (exhausting) 2 year old, and my (over-involved) parents!”

See what I mean??!

So. Step 1: Let’s make a list of the things that are really annoying, frustrating, exhausting and piss you off! Wheeee! (Trust me, this is going to be fun!)

So let’s see… Trump? Democrazy? Hot flashes? In-laws? Climate change? Bad knees? Just… ALL OF IT?!?!

So just list it all. Write it all down. Pour your heart out. 

But of course don’t stop there.

Next, Step 2: Take it to an extreme. Just bitch to your heart’s content but really pushing the envelope so it becomes ridiculous and even funny to you.

When we are laughing at something, by definition we have some perspective on it. That’s what we’re aiming for.

So for example: “Oh gawd, these hot flashes are literally the worst thing possible.” Which of course isn’t the least bit true. Because oh yes, it could be so much worse. 

Or write about a family member: “I can’t stand being in a room with Aunt Gwendolyn. She is so loud and opinionated!” (Um, that’s probably me actually… I am your Aunt Gwendolyn.)

So now think: it could be MUCH worse! Make it funny! “I could be needing Aunt Gwendolyn to take care of me for the rest of my life!”

Or politics – “I could be the one getting subpoenaed!”

Or if you feel your job totally sucks? Then make it just completely absurd: “I’m the ONLY ONE ON THE PLANET WITH THE WORST JOB EVER.”

Step 3: Now walk it back – what are you actually grateful for?

Well, I don’t have to listen to Aunt Gwendolyn talk about how I’m raising my kids wrong, for more than, say, 5 excruciating hours every holiday season. Okay, that’s not sooooo bad.

See? Now you’ll actually believe the gratitude more.  So you can put that on your real gratitude list, and it will actually make you feel good.

And have a wonderful holiday season!

-Katie