To your pens!
How about a little 30-day challenge to refocus on the positive in our lives?
With all the conflicts, differences of opinion and negative rhetoric that exist and surround us at the moment, I wanted to launch an activity that would have the effect of bringing us together rather than dividing us, of uniting us instead of separating us... and this regardless of the physical distances that separate us!
I wanted to find a way to make us see and feel all the positive things around us, which we often tend to forget...
What science has to say
Choose to see 3 times more positive
According to researcher and social psychology professor Barbara L. Frederickson, positivism can truly transform our lives.
In her book "Positivity", which she wrote in 2009, her research showed that a ratio of 3 positive thoughts for every negative thought creates a healthier, more dynamic and fulfilled life!
Choose a regular practice of gratitude
Psychologist and professor Robert A. Emmons agrees.
Through his numerous studies with over a thousand people (aged between 8 and 80) where he helped people cultivate gratitude, often via a gratitude journal, he was able to note the benefits, in as little as three weeks, of having a regular gratitude practice.
Physical, psychological and social benefits
Here are some examples of the benefits observed in people who regularly practice gratitude:
Physical
Better immune system
Lower blood pressure
Better sleep
More motivation to exercise and look after your health
Psychological
More positive emotions
More alert, awake and alive
More joy and pleasure
More optimistic and happy
Social
More generous and compassionate
More forgiving
More outgoing
Less isolated and lonely
My experience with gratitude
I myself experienced the positive effects of a regular gratitude practice a few years ago.
What struck me most during this period was that what would normally irritate or frustrate me no longer had the same impact... it was as if I was able to let go more easily when faced with events over which I had no control.
I felt more zen, calm and present in the moment!
Gratitude in the present moment
Often, I even managed to feel gratitude at the very moment when events were unfolding! I no longer had to wait until the end of the day to write and acknowledge that I'd experienced a beautiful moment; I was grateful in the present moment!
A challenge to share!
That's why I want to relive these moments of gratitude in collaboration with all of you! These days, I feel that being grateful is not a luxury, but a necessity!
Details
Dates
April 14 to May 14, 2025 inclusively (30 days)
Your daily tasks during these 30 days:
Every day, write down 3 gratitudes (it can be more if you feel like it, but at least 3 a day!).
You can write them down in a small paper journal, in an app on your smartphone... it doesn't matter, the important thing is to write them down (not just think about them!).
There are still a few days to prepare for the challenge:
Find out how you want to compile your daily gratitudes! Do you prefer a paper journal or an app on your smartphone? If it's a paper journal, do you already have one? Do you need to buy one? If you prefer an app, which one? There's no shortage of choices!
Invite your friends, family and colleagues to join us in the challenge! The more of us there are, the more we'll create a wave of positivity around us!
For the next 30 days, I'll be sharing a daily positive thought with you on my social media platforms! Be sure to follow me on one of my platforms so you don't miss a thing! And if you feel like sharing yours with me, I'd love to hear from you!
Looking forward to experiencing this little wave of gratitude with you!
