There are two key secrets to keep in mind if we want to stop trying to “have it all.” After going through many things we don’t HAVE to do or have this month, these two secrets are actually quite simple, but must be brought to our minds often in order to do their magic.

Secret #1 to Stop Trying to Have It All:

Gratitude.

Yep. It’s that simple.

It’s really hard to be discontent or want more when you are practicing regular gratitude.

Eucharisteo as Ann Voskamp says. The counting of our gifts. Discovering the blessings right in front of us. Giving thanks to the Giver of all good things.

When I took Ann’s Joy Dare, counting three gifts a day for an entire year, I felt a shift and this is why…

Giving thanks in all things is how to pray continually — and this is the way to get to the joy. ~Ann Voskamp

I’ve had lapses in the Joy Dare throughout the year and that’s when the discontent and comparison creep in. It usually takes me a little while to realize it, but once I get back on track, those feelings get swept away pretty quickly. And they are replaced with joy. I stop TRYING to have it all and realize I already do.

So let’s start practicing secret #1 right now. No delay. Share three blessings. The first three that come to mind. And encourage a friend to do the same. Let’s fight the discontent + comparison bug by spreading gratitude + joy!

This post is part of the series, 31 Days of NOT Having It All. You can find the rest of the posts in this series here!