The 2-Minute Thankful List

In my naivety, I believed that once I started my own business I'd be free to do what I wanted, when I wanted. I'd be free to choose my work hours and free to work from bed. In all honesty, what I envisioned what me–with a painted face–riding a horse through my work day similarly to Braveheart screaming, FREEEEEEDOM!!!

A decade later I know that's not exactly the case. While glimpses of that imagined freedom exists in each day, being an entrepreneur comes with an entirely new set of stress. I was having a particularly hard day earlier this week and I found myself frustrated and let down. I was overwhelmed that my passion was also my job…a job that can take a toll on my personal life.

Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of running a business and starting new projects, I decided to take two minutes to list everything I loved about my job. I limited myself to 120 seconds, and here's a snippet from my list:
I work with my toes in the sand at least once a week.
I encounter amazing people I may never meet otherwise.
My job allows me to practice yoga when I want.
In addition to documenting life with a camera, I also get to write about it.
I don't have to wear makeup everyday.
My job allows me to visit new places in the world.

The list continued, but I was surprised with how easily everything came out onto the page. Taking a couple minutes to remind myself of how blessed I am re-calibrated my heart to return to my work day refreshed and recharged.

If you're in a funk, treat yourself to a two-minute Thankful List. It's a great reminder to find the good in every day.