Rose, Rose, Thorn, Bud
If you have ever heard of The Book of Awesome, you are aware of its Author Neil Pasricha. This book in particular showcases 1000 things to be happy for… things such as popping bubble wrap, or being the first table to be called up to the dinner buffet at a wedding, or when you’re really tired and about to fall asleep and someone throws a blanket on you. It is a book of small things to be thankful for, that we sometimes often forget.
A few weeks ago, I was listening to a podcast and Neil Pasricha was on it as a guest. He said something that really resonated with me and I had to share it.
It is an activity called ROSE, ROSE, BUD, THORN.
This is a game you can play one on one with your husband, wife, kids or friends or as a whole group or family.
Now I am not sure if he is the one that created it, or where it came from exactly, but I really like what it stands for, and it is an amazing conversation starter with your family.
Once I discovered this, I opted to play rose, rose, bud, thorn with my daughter (who is almost 6) every night before bed. And I try it with my son (who is almost 3) too although he is a bit young to understand. I ask him what was good about his day, and although he has a wide vocabulary he just says “what?” its really cute actually and makes me smile - so it is a perfect answer.
So, this is how it goes…
ROSE
Rose is the highlight of your day or something that made you feel happy or grateful.
My daughter's Rose today was school and playing with her friends.
My rose of the day was running into an old friend that I haven’t seen in at least 5 years. Running into my old friend and catching up was the exact thing I needed today.
ROSE
Rose is the second highlight of your day or something that made you feel happy or grateful.
Her second rose was that she got popcorn in her lunch 😊.
My second rose was that I was able to spend this day with my family. I was able to be there for them when they needed me, play games as my son and I grocery shopped, had the ability to make them healthy meals, and have fun together.
THORN
No one is perfect, and no one is positive all the time. Sometimes bad things happen, or someone makes you feel inadequate. When I play this game with my daughter, this gives me a chance to hear her, and listen to what made her unhappy. It gives her a chance to have someone listen to her, and actually hear her, and problem solve/brainstorm/talkd talk if needed.
Some days the thorn is bigger, but luckily today’s thorn wasn’t too bad. Today, she pinched her finger in the Velcro on her coat and that was her thorn.
She then asked me what my thorn was today, and I couldn’t think of one today. Nothing went wrong, and it was a great day that I was able to spend with my family.
BUD
Bud is what you are looking forward to the next day. I love playing this game at night, as it leaves her with something to look forward to tomorrow and go to bed on a positive note.
Her Bud tomorrow is to go to school and be with her friends and having waffles for breakfast 😊.
My Bud for tomorrow is to spend another day with my family, as well as the opportunity to teach people about nutrition and healthy eating.
What does this have to do with nutrition you ask? Absolutely nothing. But it has everything to do with stress levels and positive thinking which has more to do with your health than you realize.
Stress and negative thinking can cause anxiousness, hormonal imbalance, fatigue, irritability, chest pains, muscle tension and even digestive issues just to name a few. So it is important to manage stress (I know easier said than done), but even doing small things like this each day that teaches us to slow down and reflect is an awesome start to reduce stress in your life.
This is a way to slow down and connect with your loved ones and be grateful for every day. I find that life gets busy, and we don’t always remember the things we are thankful for – doing this helps train ourselves to look for the good in the day and look for the bright things that are coming tomorrow.
What are you thankful for? What is your Rose, Rose, Thorn, and Bud for the day? I would love to hear it.
#thebookofawesome #roserosethornbud #gratitude #happiness #takingtime #takingtimeforyourlovedones #nutrition #stressmanagement #wellness #thewellnessequation #connection #putdownyourcellphone #begrateful #love
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