On the Importance of my Ceramic Frog

I bought a ceramic frog. 

He sits on the sink and holds the sponge I use for the dishes in his mouth as if he has the worst aim but the greatest commitment to follow through of any frog alive. 

I never thought I'd be the owner of a ceramic, amphibious, sponge caddy but here we are. 

Before he arrived on my doorstep, I could never find my sponge. I'd have left it in the sink, then put dishes over it. or moved it behind the faucet and then never think to look there. It would always be missing.

My frog gives me a place to return that sponge to. It anchors me to notice the sponge and realize when its not there, I might have misplaced it. 

I think I do the same thing with gratitude and reflection. 

I've been creating spaces, like this, where I can share things that are revelatory, small, important, temporary. I can save them like the sponge in the mouth of my ceramic frog. 

Having a place to be thankful and reflective is important. 

Everyday I am alive I learn something new. It may be small or it may be large but its always there, the new thing I learned. 

By creating spaces that are purpose built for reflection and appreciation I give myself something to do with these thoughts. I can preserve them, notice their absence when I haven't written anything in a while, and take advantage of them when they present themselves. 

I am not a person who gratitude and reflection come pouring out of. I spent my life steeped in sarcasm and Ironic distance (and still do sometimes!) but much like the ceramic frog. I didn't know what would happen if i started using it, but I knew it might make my life better in a small but material way. 

Its not a perfect system(neither is my frog, my dish sponge is currently MIA) but its a start and a cue for reflection, a simple way to get better as a person, and I think its something that a lot of folks maybe overlook. 

It won't revolutionize your life, It may not redefine your perspective but like a little frog that holds your sponge, it may provide you a little benefit and keep you mindful.

Follow Up questions

What are some ways you make space for reflection or gratitude?
What are some reminders you use to keep you mindful?
How might beginning a practice of reflection benefit your mental well being?
How might it benefit your teaching?