A Picture of Gratitude: November's best you challenge

Not going to lie, Queen. There was no #BestYouChallenge in October because I couldn't think of a challenge. So, I decided to rest for the month and focus on all the incredible habits that we have built over the years through dozens of monthly challenges.

However, this month was a no-brainer. As it's the month of giving thanks for all that we have, it's only right that we do a gratitude challenge this month. In the past, we've done Gratitude challenges where you write down three things you're grateful for at the end of your day. This month, we're gonna switch things up a bit.

But first, let's review September's Best You Challenge!

september's best you challenge:

In September, I challenged the Phorbe Queendom to create an evening routine. This has been something, I've wanted to get back into. As I've said many times before, keeping a strict morning, daily, and evening routine helped me keep a positive mindset and beat homelessness last year. So, in a way to trick myself to get back into the habit and to help you form the habit yourself, I made it a challenge.

For my evening routine, I took 30 minutes to either watch some mindless TV (my favorite right now is Bob's Burgers and King of the Hill) or scroll through Tik Tok. After that, I took a shower in the dark with a bit of mood lighting. Finally, I wrote down my three points of Gratitude for the day and set my intentions for the next day.

Some nights, before I got in the shower, I lit lavender incense so that my room would be ready for a night of sleep by the time I got out of the shower. Other nights I played rain and ocean noises as I slept.

Can I just say that this helped me so much? I was in such an anxious state when I began this challenge that I was having stress dreams. However, the further into September's Challenge I got, the more and more I was able to relax and have a peaceful night of sleep.

Since the challenge has ended, I have continued doing my nighttime routine and don't plan on stopping anytime soon. I've added a couple of things to the equation though. First, I began my nighttime routine with skincare. I deep clean my face and treat my HS. I am on a mission to get rid of the scars, left behind by HS breakouts, on my face. In order to do this, I had to get serious about my skincare routine. I have also started taking melatonin gummies before bed to help me stay asleep throughout the night.

Finally, and this is more a part of my morning routine, however, it helps my evening routine, I use lavender scented spray. After making my bed in the morning, I spray my pillows and sheets down with lavender-scented spray. So when my head hits the pillow at night, everything from the sounds to the temperature, to the scent in my room is helping me prepare for a good night's rest.

"We all have access to a powerful tool for creating our life experience: our mind. By choosing to focus on positive thoughts, you can create a different life." (TheHabitat.com)

Being grateful and showing gratitude is essential for keeping a positive mindset throughout life's challenges. It also helps you remember how far you've come and to be more gracious with yourself. Giving that we are weeks away from Thanksgiving, a time where we are reminded to pause and reflect on all that we have, I want to make sure that we are staying grateful every day.

This month, I challenge you to think about what you're grateful for throughout your day and not just at the end of the day. I then, want you to act on your gratitude... at the moment.

A few years ago, there was a challenge going around social media called #100DaysOfHappiness. In an effort to bring more joy into the world, the creators challenged people to post a photo on social media of something that made them happy every day for 100 days using the hashtag #100DaysOfHappiness.

In that same vein, I challenge you to take three pictures throughout your day of something that brought you joy and/or peace. You do not have to post these photos. You don't even have to show them to anybody. I highly suggest that you save them and take some time to look at them at the end of the challenge, but that is completely up to you.

How to Join the Challenge

Since there are 30 days in November, this month's challenge will begin on November 10th and run through the end of the month. On November 10th, I will post the challenge's cover photo, above, on Instagram. To join the challenge, send me a DM saying "I'm In" on Instagram. Then, make sure you check in weekly for accountability and the chance to win free giveaways!

So Queens, what do you say? Are you up for the challenge of practicing gratitude? Every day...all day?

It's a beautiful day to conquer the world. So, be grateful and step into the Queen you're meant to be!

-Queen Maree