Gratitude. We’ve heard over and over again in the last several years. Practice gratitude. So, what does that really mean? I say, “Thank you,” all the time. I pay attention when someone is going out of their way and appreciate that effort very much. That’s the obvious form of gratitude—being thankful. The practice of gratitude is much different…

They say practicing gratitude will change your life. Scientists at Berkley are committing huge research efforts towards this gratitude thing. They note that you can reap these benefits:

• Stronger immune systems and lower blood pressure;
• Higher levels of positive emotions;
• More joy, optimism, and happiness;
• Acting with more generosity and compassion;
• Feeling less lonely and isolated.

This isn’t a spirituality lesson, this is science. And science is dedicating time and energy to understanding the full scope of what practicing gratitude can really effect. Science is trying to understand how to live a meaningful life.

But aren’t we all trying to live a meaningful life? Aren’t we all seeking happiness, compassion and connection with the world around us? I sure am.

I’ve noticed lately that life is beginning to speed up. As we get older, every day, week, year takes up a smaller and smaller percentage of our lives. When we were 10 years old, 1 year was 1/10 of our life! Now, nearing 30, 1 year is 1/30 of my life. I’m unsure who originally coined this phrase: “the days are long, but the years are short,” but I’m sure we’ve all heard it. I recently read Gretchen Rubin’s book Happier at Home. She references this quote during her happiness project and it flipped a switch for me.

As time passes this phrase rings more and more true. We get caught up in the monotony of the present. We go to work, we go home, we go to work, we go home, we wish for the weekend, we anticipate that 3-day weekend or vacation on the horizon. We ignore the mundane of the everyday and focus on the seemingly more exciting adventures in our future.

By doing this, we end up missing out on the majority of our lives. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a lot of vacations and big exciting things planned every year. Most of my days look incredibly similar. While I may not be able to change much in the landscape of my everyday, I can change my perception of it.

Beginning today, June 16th, 2016, I am starting my own 100 Days of Gratitude project. I’m starting today, because in 100 days, I’ll be getting married to the love of my life. So what better time to start an endeavor to become more present, grateful and connected to my life and everything that touches it? I couldn’t think of any, so here we go…

Follow along on Instagram as I document 1 thing everyday, for 100 days, that I am grateful for. Some things might be huge! Others, might not. I’ll make updates on the blog occasionally as well and let you know if and how it’s making an impact. The most important thing to remember is that it is a practice—100 days won’t change your life forever, you must continually participate in the action to maintain the effect.

Have you ever done a personal gratitude project? If so, link to it in the comments, I’d love to see yours!