4 Ways to Focus on Being Present and Grateful as We Stay Creative

The skies are moody today, the wind is blowing, the temperatures are lower, and the autumn colors are popping. All the signs are there. We’re heading into cozy season. 

It’s a great time to grab a hot drink, a soft blanket, and take a little time to think about the things that make us grateful. Did you know that taking a little time to remember a few things we are thankful for each day lifts our moods, too? Go ahead. Test it. Write or draw three things that you are glad you have in your life right now. 

Don’t you feel better? 

Today, I’ll give you several more ways you can stay present and grateful as we near the holiday season. For me, this exercise helps me set a foundation for giving. Each idea will have a different focus. We’ll stay present as we become more aware within ourselves, get a little creative, express our appreciation to others, and make memories we are thankful for, too. 

And, it doesn’t have to be autumn to try these. They can be molded into whichever season or not be seasonal at all.

Try one of them or try them one at a time. Are you ready to get started?

Create a List

First, we’ll focus on creating a little self-awareness. You can try these things to help you think about all the things that you are grateful for. 

Write a list of things that make your heart smile (I know! You just did, but this one is a longer list and a little more creative). To dress it up, use hand lettering, drawings, color, and/or make it look like a collage. Take your time. You can even add to it over the course of a few days or even weeks. This will give you time to really think about it. It can be focused on the current season or not. Mine is because as the weather gets colder, I need to intentionally look for things that are welcome and fun (instead of just seeing cold everywhere).

Your list can include experiences you enjoyed, people you hold dear, colors you like, verses or quotes that are meaningful, moments that make you smile, past or present … be as specific as you can. Details bring it alive in your memory. 

When you’re finished, put it somewhere you will see it often. Reread it to help you remember the things that you hold close, especially if you’re having a gray-feeling day. When we spend time thinking of the things we’re grateful for, our focus turns away from the stress of the day and toward something we value. Our mood will turn, too.

Notice the Season

For this one, I want you to start by taking a walk outside. As you do, think about the colors around you, shapes you see, the sound of the leaves (don’t forget to crunch a few) … what do you smell, what do you feel (physically and emotionally)? Soak it in. What do you like about what you’re noticing? What don’t you care for? 

While you do this, you’re turning your focus to what’s happening now, staying present now. You aren’t rushing ahead to the next thing, worrying about the future, or ruminating on the past. You are noticing the moment. What’s here in the present? 

When you return from your walk, use those colors, shapes, and feelings to paint or draw something seasonal to remind you of today. The activity will calm your mind and fix those moments in your memory. 

If you want some ideas to get started, I have a few fall tutorials like this pumpkin or these apples or this girl with wild fall hair (yes … it’s probably my sweater hair, and yes, you can draw yours instead😉). Just click on the picture to find the tutorial.

Paint with and for Someone

This gratitude exercise is two-fold. You can think about what you’re grateful for, paint with someone, and give the results to another someone you’re thankful for. Did I say two-fold? I guess you get a third one as a bonus. 

Connecting with someone is a great way to get a little mood boost, for both of you. Invite someone over for a mini paint party. As you paint together, think about what you enjoy about fall and this particular friend. Soak up the time you get to spend together. 

To prepare, gather some watercolor paper, size #17 envelopes, paint, brushes, paper towels and water. Cut the watercolor paper into gift card size, about 2.5”X3.5”. Think about a few fall things you can paint on mini thank you cards. And don’t forget to laugh a little with that friend.

When the paint dries, use the mini cards to spread the joy a little further. 

I love giving mini cards with a small gift for a host/hostess, with a tip for my hair stylist, or just for fun to surprise someone. You can put it on a coworker’s desk, drop one on the driver’s seat in your spouse’s car, or lay one on your child’s pillow. Be sure to add a short, special note. 

If you don’t want to gather your own supplies, these fall mini card kits will get you started with the basics and some painting ideas. But feel free to come up with your own. 

Tell Someone You Appreciate Them … and Why

Another way you can connect with someone and think about things you are thankful for is to mail a note in a card. I know … it might be a little old fashioned now, but we all still love getting a real card in the mail. Maybe we should renew the tradition.

Choose a cute card design and write your own message inside. Be sure to include why you’re thankful for them. Be specific. Maybe you share a fun memory. Maybe they said something they don’t remember but it impacted you in a positive way. This exercise will brighten your day and theirs.

If you’re curious, here are a few of my card designs.

I wonder which exercise you’ll return to again and again, no matter what season it is.