Ritual of Rest #10 - Reviewing the Day with Gratitude + My Favorite Recipe of All Time
A Pickled Recipe You Need for Thanksgiving (Don't Miss this One!)
Gratitude is so very powerful.
Gratitude can actually rewire our brains.
I attended a conference once that spoke a bit about this subject layered in around other material, and the notion that gratitude can rewire our brains stopped me in my tracks.
It is not a solve all, nor a magic bullet to take the hard out of our lives, but it is a tool to help remind ourselves of the good, the meaningful, the things in life that help us look beyond ourselves to what truly makes us thankful.
This week’s practice allows us to take stock of our days and focus on our gratitude (even though I know sometimes the holiday season can be quite challenging for many reasons—and if you find yourself in such a place where gratitude is hard to locate, here’s a blessing, When You Don’t Feel Terribly Thankful, by Kate Bowler who speaks to that very place.)
Regardless, I hope you’ll give this week’s practice a try. It’s one of my favorites and sometimes the gratitude that comes up surprises me in the most delightful and unexpected ways—and I hope it does for you too during this week’s Thanksgiving holiday. (And don’t miss below: My favorite recipe of all time that you need too.)
Ritual of Rest #10: Review Your Day with Gratitude:
Review your day in detail in your mind. Allow yourself to go through each part of the day slowly (or the day before if you do this in the morning).
Notice your emotions as you do so. What stands out from the day as something that brought you life, a sense of joy and you’d want to relive. Try to focus in on one moment (but it can be more if you’d like).
Take a moment to sit with the feelings and emotions that come up, dwelling on the thankfulness and perhaps even speaking your gratitude. Or if you prefer, write out your thoughts and feelings in a journal. Consider: Why did that moment/event/person make you feel so grateful? What about it do you want to remember? What is this gratitude showing or teaching you?
On a spiritual note, this can be a simple way to enter into conversation with God. Before you review your day, invite Him into the time and ask that He’d highlight a moment of gratitude in your day as you review the events and details. Then enter into into a time of prayer and honest conversation with God about whatever comes up for you. Allow it to be a reminder that God is present in this moment. Look forward and talk to Him about how you can enjoy and carry this gratitude into your day or the ones to follow.
My Favorite Recipe Ever for Your Thanksgiving:
Really, it’s a bonus culinary ritual—beautiful in color, tangy and pickle-y in flavor that’s ready to elevate every single meal. (I keep a jar full of it in my refrigerator at all times.)
The Daily Ritual (& Recipe) of Quick-Pickled Red Onions:
The CRAZY-EASY (almost cheating) way to make them:
Thinly slice one red onion.
Place in jar or glass container and cover with Seasoned Mild & Sweet Rice Wine Vinegar (see pic at bottom for brand I use). (Note, the juice does not have to entirely cover onions, as the onions will soften into it over time.)
Allow to sit at least 10-15 minutes before using (the longer the better).
Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
An actual recipe for making your own pickling juice:
Thinly slice one red onion and place in jar or glass container.
In a small pot combine 1 cup water, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 TBL honey, 1.5 tsp salt and warm over stove until salt and honey dissolve.
Pour juice over red onions and allow to sit at least 10-15 minutes before using (the longer the better). (Note, the juice does not have to entirely cover onions, as the onions will soften into it over time.)
Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
I hope you enjoy this topping that really transforms any meal, is suitable all year long, and will take that turkey meat, dressing and/or autumn salads to the next level this week! (And don’t forget to use them on your egg-based breakfasts and leftover turkey sandwiches too!) - xo, katherine
