Our gratitude poster is filling up quickly. (If you missed that post, it’s here.)

Sometimes we talk about what we’re grateful for in the car … or over breakfast … and then write a few things on the poster. Sometimes the kids will think of something and immediately go to write it or draw it without letting anyone else see it. Then they “unveil” the surprise. Yesterday Claire did this and just couldn’t wait to show us what she had drawn. When she explained her sketch I melted into a puddle. Claire drew a picture of the grateful poster. She’s grateful for the grateful poster. Can someone please tell me how to bottle up the cuteness as it is right now?

This has turned out to be one of the most meaningful and valuable family projects we’ve ever done. It’s ongoing. It’s thought-provoking. It’s conversation-starting. And it’s fun! It keeps us all focused on gratitude which I truly believe is “not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” (Cicero)

Something to think about: “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” (William Arthur Ward) Someone in your life needs to hear your appreciation today. What are you waiting for? Let them know. Send an email or a text — or even better — write a good ol’ fashioned letter and put it in the mail.

Life’s too short. Express your gratitude.