Five years ago, as I approached turning 50, I felt compelled to become more mindful of gratitude. I did not want to turn into someone self-focused about aging or one who was cynical or complaining.

So, I set my heart with a posture of gratitude—even as my creaking back would snap, crackle, pop more and more as I got out of bed each morning. Age is going to happen–how you approach it matters.

I am 55 now. Each year I chose a “word” for my theme of the year instead of the hum drum usual “do better” list that would undoubtedly be blown by the end of January. These New Year’s Resolutions over the past few years sum up the progression from the time I was 50 until now at 55:

50: Gratitude

51: Contentment

52: Joy

53: Questions for daily reflection: Have I prayed for someone today? Have I helped someone today? Have I encouraged someone today? Have I been kind to someone today?

54: Kindness

55: Be kind. Invest more in people. Get healthy (because there’s always those 15 pesky pounds!).

What I realized when reflecting on this list is: Attitude AND Actions should BOTH be present!

It is great to know to be thankful, but we should show that we are thankful. Act on it.

Begin each day thanking God for His mercies. Speak of His goodness throughout the day. Share about his wondrous deeds. Think on His goodness. Extend goodness and mercies to others.

Psalm 145: 1-6 I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.

Adopt a mindset of daily knowing, thinking, and then doing things that show gratitude: “Today is the only day you get to live THIS day. This is the only July 11, 2024 ever! Make it count!”

I began to start each day with this same daily thought. It revolutionized my whole outlook.

The switch from mere introspection to one of action combines thinking about thankfulness with also showing thankfulness.

In the book, The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare, the main character, Daniel, is forgiven by Jesus at the end of the book. Daniel begins to rush after Jesus to thank him for healing his sister and for forgiving him, but instead, he turns to his enemy, a Roman, and invites him into his home.

Gratitude feeds hospitality.

Hospitality creates joy.

Joy spills over into action.

Share the joy. Pray for others. Encourage someone. Be kind.

Today is the day!

Live with: Gratitude + Contentment + Joy + Kindness + Investment + Encouragement—this day!

Live life daily with gratitude and beyond!